A CHARITY that works closely with those treating seriously ill children and young people has a new partnership.

Spread a Smile is linking with West Middlesex Hospital, which serves patients from Hounslow, Richmond and Ealing.

West Mid joins 31 other major and speciality NHS hospitals and four hospice partners already supported by Spread a Smile.

The charity’s team of musicians, artists, magicians and therapy dogs spend quality time with patients through monthly in-person visits.

Patients and their families are also able to access weekly virtual group activities, including art clubs and story-telling.

Simii Dhupar, senior health play specialist at West Mid, said: "Spread a Smile do such an amazing and fantastic job, bringing smiles to patients' faces during their time in hospital.”