Celebrating Play in Hospital Week

11th October, 2022

10-14 October is Play in Hospital Week. Organised by Starlight and the National Association of Health Play Specialists (NAHPS), Play in Hospital Week highlights the benefits of play in medical settings. This year’s theme is ‘Play for resilience and good mental health.’ We caught up with Edna Owusu, a Play Specialist at the Richard Desmond Children’s Eye Centre at Moorfields Eye Hospital, to learn more about her work.

“We have three play specialists,” Edna told us, “and three play workers at the moment. Play specialists have a foundation degree and have studied distraction techniques and the psychological effects of illness and trauma in children.”

Edna and her colleagues, who work in outpatient clinics, on the ward, in theatres and in Accident and Emergency, see dozens of children on an average day and thousands every month. Many of the children are undergoing scary or uncomfortable procedures.

“They get really anxious. They don’t know what’s happening. Whilst they’re playing, we can talk to them and find out what their anxieties are. I say to them, you’re in charge. We’re here to look after you and help you. And if you’re worried about anything, just let us know.”

The positive impact of play for young patients can’t be overstated. “They say this is the best hospital, because we’ve always got wonderful activities for them.” Research shows that play can reduce stress and pain, build resilience, and give children back a sense of autonomy and control.

To help make sure young patients have the best possible experience, Friends of Moorfields funds the salaries of 2.5 Play Specialists, as well as contributing towards smaller ad hoc projects. “We rely on Friends of Moorfields,” says Edna. “They help us with Christmas, they help fund Christmas trees… they’re just amazing.”

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