When I was a child I was a frequent visitor to CUH so I know what it feels like to be worried about being in hospital. I had to use a wheelchair and this can also be isolating and meant I was left out of a lot of things. These experiences have made me want to be as inclusive as possible and to normalise a patient’s time in hospital. One of the ways we can do this is give children access to play every day.
My typical day begins by setting up and cleaning the play room. We have consoles and board games and hold play sessions for children. We also provide activities at a patient’s bedside.
Play is a respite for children, away from the reason they are in hospital.
Abi
For our long-term patients it’s really important for them to have the opportunity to play, as it’s one of the main ways children develop. We have had a patient who spent two years in hospital so this aspect of our care is really important to a child’s long-term development.
It is really rewarding to help a child go from their worst and at their most vulnerable to leaving hospital. I have worked on D2 and PICU for 4 years and have seen children with brain injuries go through lots of neuro rehab. We do have little ones who don’t want to go! I am really pleased to do my bit to help a child recover, it is the best part of my job.