Celebrating 50 years of play in hospitals
Children’s wards across mid and south Essex marked a special milestone last week as staff, patients and families celebrated 50 years of play in healthcare.
What began in the 1970s with a few donated toys has grown into a recognised clinical service that supports the emotional wellbeing of babies, children and young people during their time in hospital.
To mark this occasion, a week of fun-filled activities took place at Broomfield, Basildon and Southend Hospitals. This included face painting, storytelling, therapy dog visits and play sessions. Skittleman, a children’s entertainer known for his colourful magic and balloon shows, brought extra smiles to the wards.
Lisa Kawa-Akenbo, Lead Health Play Specialist at the Trust, said: “This celebration gives us the opportunity to showcase our specialised and therapeutic play practice. For our team, it means 50 years of successful advocacy for the psychosocial wellbeing of children and young people.”
Play in hospital is more than just distraction. Healthcare Play Specialists use evidence-based techniques to help children prepare for procedures, manage treatment and recover emotionally.
The NHS Play Well Toolkit, launched earlier this year, highlights just how important therapeutic play has become. It sets national standards and recognises play as a vital part of paediatric care.
During the celebration week, one young patient who had been unable to walk due to pain and anxiety began walking independently again after interacting with a therapy dog and the play team.
For many families, it’s these small moments that make all the difference.
Lauren Baker, 34, and Kirst Sparke, 39, from Great Wakering, saw the impact play had on their daughter Hattie.
Lauren said: “Play made such a difference when my daughter was in hospital. Watching her smile and enjoy those moments gave me a bit of peace too. The staff were really kind and friendly, which made things easier for us.”