The Play Service exists to help children, young people and their families understand about and cope with treatment, procedures, equipment and their feelings. It is a service available for all families, whether coming for an in-patient stay or a visit to the Emergency Department or a clinic.
Being able to play and join in with activities is an important part of the care that children and young people receive across NHS Lothian, including at the Royal Hospital for Children and Young People in Edinburgh and St. John’s Hospital Livingston.
Play services are led by registered Health Play Specialists who are qualified with a Diploma or Degree in Healthcare Play Specialism. Play assistants and nursery nurses also work within our hospitals and all have a childcare qualification as well as experience in play work and child development.
Why is play in the hospital important?
Play helps children to express their feelings. For children in hospital, play becomes even more important as it can help them understand their illness and treatment, bring a feeling of normality and help them to relax in strange surroundings.
Children can be given the chance to touch and handle medical equipment and can role-play with preparation dolls (or their favourite toy) under the guidance and supervision of play staff.
Play can be an escape from feeling unwell or scared, or a welcome distraction when children are bored or restless. Play also:
- Releases surplus energy.
- Stimulates muscle growth and motor coordination.
- Provides the opportunity to practice actions useful in adult life.
- Develops imagination.
- Develops language skills.
- Provides a rest from reality and relieves boredom.
- Allows children to express their feelings.
- Builds up confidence and can help to prevent young patients from becoming distressed or withdrawn.
