The children’s units at both Conquest Hospital and Eastbourne DGH have given support to ‘Play in Hospital Week’, to help raise awareness of the benefits of play in the treatment of poorly children in hospital. During the week, children at both hospitals drew pictures of everyday heroes to display.
The Trust’s play specialist role is to provide programmes and support for children in hospital. The play specialist provides activities which encourage creativity, exploration and learning, as well as sessions which prepare children for procedures and treatments.
Kim Wright, Play Specialist with Keira Ashley-Blake and Sister Bonamy McDonald
Kim Wright, Play Specialist said: “Play is so important, it is how children make sense of the world around them, it something that is familiar and reassuring to them. In hospital, it helps children to learn and develop, and to feel less anxious. It helps them to express their feelings and worries, understand what is happening and cope with treatment. It provides an opportunity for a child to make choices, so that they can have a sense of some control.”
Play in Hospital Week is organised by the National Association of Health Play Specialists (NAHPS), which aims to promote and ensure the provision of appropriate therapeutic and stimulating play facilities in healthcare, and Starlight Children’s Foundation, which brightens the lives of over half a million poorly children in the UK each year.