Play Specialist

The Role of the Hospital Play Specialist

This role involves working closely with The Metabolic Multidisciplinary team (MDT), essentially making the child's stay in hospital as stress-free as possible. Both normal and specialised play are offered.

Specialised play means that, through the use of play, the child is prepared for hospital procedures by offering explanation in a comprehensive way. Support for families and siblings and coping strategies during procedures are provided. The Play Specialist also liaises with the MDT regarding observations based on play-based activities.

Fasting studies are a common occurrence on the metabolic ward so preparation for insertion of intravenous cannulae using 'blood dolls' and provision of distraction techniques are necessary. Providing activities i.e. social interaction to aid the child's development is paramount at this time.

For long-term children special events and outings are organised from time to time. The Play Specialist works closely with Nursing Staff, psychologists, social workers and dieticians offering suggestions for management of feeding difficulties, needle-phobia and child-friendly ideas for solving problems that may arise during the hospital stay.