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At Vega Baja University Hospital, a new project is opening worlds of imagination for its youngest patients. The “Traveling Suitcase” (Maleta Viajera) initiative was officially launched this week by Orihuela’s Councillor for Family Affairs, María Carmen Portugal, alongside hospital manager Dr. Mario Medina Ruiz and staff from the Child Mental Health and Paediatrics units. The project transforms a simple suitcase into something magical – a portable library and playroom designed to bring comfort, distraction, and familiarity to children spending time in hospital. Inside each suitcase, young patients will find a thoughtful selection of books and games adapted to different ages and needs. Beloved classics such as ‘Pinocchio’, ‘The Ugly Duckling’, ‘Goldilocks’ and ‘Fearless John’ share space with family-friendly games like ‘Tangram’, ‘Rummy Classic’, ‘Lynx’ and ‘Dobble’. Reading and Play as Companions According to Councillor Portugal, the project’s purpose is simple yet profound: “to support hospitalised children and their families.” Developed in collaboration with the Fernando de Loazes Public Library and the hospital itself, the initiative aims to make hospital stays a little more pleasant – or, as she put it, “to make it feel more familiar to them.” Portugal emphasised the importance of emotional connection during hospitalisation. “When a family has their child in hospital, it’s a difficult situation,” she explained. “With this project, we want to connect them with the routines they have at home, such as reading and board games.” By recreating small pieces of daily life, the ‘Traveling Suitcase’ hopes to reduce anxiety and foster a sense of normality, turning recovery time into a period filled with imagination, laughter, and shared stories. A Joint Effort for Wellbeing The collaboration between the Family Department, the hospital, and the public library has been key to making this initiative possible. The Fernando de Loazes Library and the Family Council will coordinate the exchange of books and games, ensuring that materials are regularly refreshed and updated. This ongoing rotation guarantees that every suitcase remains engaging and stimulating, encouraging repeat participation from both patients and staff. Dr. Mario Medina Ruiz, the hospital’s manager, praised the initiative’s relevance in a digital age increasingly dominated by screens. “In an era of increasing digitalisation and dependence on screens, this is a project I particularly like: promoting reading and play,” he said. “It’s something our children will appreciate, and I hope this project isn’t just a one-off, but something that continues.” Dr. Medina also extended his gratitude to the teams in the Child Mental Health and Pediatrics units, as well as the Nursing Department, noting that their commitment and enthusiasm made the project’s launch possible. A Family-Centred Vision For Orihuela’s Family Council, ‘Traveling Suitcase’ represents more than a cultural project – it’s a social commitment. Councillor Portugal concluded by reaffirming that the initiative is “a project of the Family Affairs Department in collaboration with the hospital and the library, with one clear goal: to continue working and strengthening the support we want to maintain for families, especially in difficult situations.” By blending the simple pleasures of reading and play, Orihuela’s ‘Traveling Suitcase’ gives hosptalised children more than entertainment – it offers them a sense of home, hope, and human connection during challenging times.
