Our play team consists of a play specialist and a number of play assistants, who provide educational and recreational support for children, young people and their families.
The play team provide activities for children and young people at the bedside; in the play room or in the adolescent room. We deliver play/activity sessions to children and young people during their stay and are able to offer support for those who are anxious or distressed.
Having fun helps children through their recovery and supports their mental health and well-being. The play team will ensure that your child continues to have playful experiences throughout their hospital stay.
Supported by our play specialist, children and young people are helped to understand and make sense of their treatment and medical interventions.
Our play specialist will use lots of different techniques and adapt to the needs of your child or young people to support them including:
- role play or practice using real medical equipment
- photo stories and social stories about going to theatre or a specific procedure
- apps and online resources on digital devices
- helping children to develop coping strategies including distraction therapy
- informed discussion about the process
The play team collect patient feedback in the form of “Tops” and “Pants”. Patient feedback booklets are also available. Please ask a member of the team for a patient feedback booklet if you wish to provide feedback for our teams.
Last reviewed: 21 April 2026