Royal Hospital for Children: 'Mobile disco' transforms children's hospital wards into pop-up dance parties

The Royal Hospital for Children in Glasgow has launched a “mobile disco” on the wards to cheer patients up during their stay.

Blasting through the corridors of the hospitals and straight to the wards comes the Lolli Trollie, a mobile disco with beats, bubbles and bright lights, turning wards into a dance party.

The ‘Lolli Trollie’ connects to the hospital’s internal radio station, where children can request their favourite tunes, play games and have sing-alongs.

Healthcare play specialist Sarah Cameron said: “It allows us to bring our radio services to the patient’s bedside. It’s an interactive entertainment hub that’s mobile, it can turn into a karaoke machine that’s got bubbles, interactive lights and helps make the patients stay a bit more enjoyable.”

A disco on wheels is bringing the party to the wards at the Royal Hospital for Children STV News

The music comes through the hospital’s Radio Lollipop, where patients can curate their own playlist for a night of disco fun.

DJ LipinLizy is on the decks in the radio studio every Tuesday night, playing tunes and delivering arts and crafts activities over the airwaves.

“The children love it. The girls going up to the wards interact with me – I’ll play them all the songs they like to hear and some I think they’d like.

“The children also draw pictures for me, and they’re brought down to the studio to join my art gallery.”

One mum added: “It keeps the children happy, they enjoy the music with their friends that come to visit. It brings everyone together at night. It’s amazing.”

While the Lolli Trollie comes with the beats and the bubbles, it also comes with gifts for the children.

Radio Lollipop volunteer Robyn McMillan said: “When the kids see the games and toys you see their eyes light up for a bit.

“It’s an absolute source of joy for them. It’s just priceless.”