Healthcare Play
In 2023/24 the North Thames Paediatric Network carried out visits to our acute care providers. We assessed the provision of play for children and young people and what support is in place for staff who work in this area and found that there is a significant variation in play provision across the different healthcare settings, and availability funding for resources.
We identified that accessibility for further training post registration to support and develop staff varies dependant on where the post holder works.
The network has subsequently set up a healthcare play forum for staff to obtain support and advice from their co-workers in the region and held a face-to-face event for play staff which took place in September 2024.
The network will continue to work with play teams. We aim to develop a collaborative approach to supporting health play staff in developing their services and ensuring a combined voice for health play across the sector.
Healthcare Play NHS Futures page
We have set up a dedicated page for healthcare play workers on NHS futures to contact each other for advise and to advertise any job vacancies.
Resources for Play workers
North Thames Healthcare Play Transfer Document
One outcome from the in-person meeting held in September 2024 was the acknowledgement that play specialists should have access to a document containing essential information about the care of children or young people being transferred to another hospital in the region. This document has now been approved by the group and is available for use by all play specialists in the North Thames area.
Starlight Children's foundation
They are the national charity for children’s play in healthcare, supporting children to experience the power of play to boost their wellbeing and resilience during illness. They advocate for play professionals, support families, and empower children to experience the power of play.
Society of Health Play Specialists (SOHPS)
The official education and registration body for Health Play Specialists working in the UK and elsewhere.
Sophie's Legacy
Sophie’s Legacy was created in memorial of Sophie Fairall and the legacy of change she wanted to create.
Sophie wanted the following things changed and this will be her legacy in memory of a remarkable young girl who touched so many lives.
1. Play specialist 7 days a week in hospitals
2. Improvements to food for children in hospital
3. For parents to be fed when staying with their child
4. For GP’s, nurses and health professionals to be trained in childhood cancer
5. To increase the funds (currently 3%) in childhood cancer research
Spread a Smile
Spread a Smile brings joy and laughter to seriously ill and hospitalised children and their families during long hospital stays.