‘A really scary place for children’: English hospitals have chronic lack of health play staff
Analysis finds only 955 play professionals supporting 21 million child hospital admissions, leaving many traumatised for life Children in English hospital with serious illnesses are being exposed to avoidable trauma because too few health play professionals are being employed, analysis by a leading charity has found. Employed by hospitals across England, these workers help to support children…
English hospitals face a severe shortage of health play professionals, leaving young patients who undergo serious medical treatments feeling traumatized, according to a charity's analysis. With only 955 full-time equivalent health play professionals supporting 21 million child hospital admissions annually, the ratio stands at approximately one professional per 22,061 admissions.
This is significantly lower than the recommended staffing ratio of one professional per 2,230 hospital admissions. Health play professionals provide play opportunities through games, toys, and activities, helping to alleviate anxiety and distress for children receiving medical treatment. Their presence can contribute to positive healthcare experiences, improve cooperation, prevent lifelong healthcare avoidance, and even reduce the risk of mental health problems associated with traumatic childhood medical experiences.
Lyndsey Hookway, whose daughter Filly was diagnosed with leukemia at the age of three, attests to the positive impact health play had on her young daughter. Filly recalled feeling less anxious and nervous with the assistance of play specialists, which helped her cope with challenges such as losing her hair. Hookway emphasized the importance of health play professionals, stating that hospitals can be a "really scary place" for children, and these professionals provide crucial support and relief for families going through overwhelming medical experiences.
Furthermore, the charity Starlight Children's Foundation discovered that only 23% of NHS trusts and health boards in the UK have dedicated budgets to train health play professionals, leading to a postcode lottery with varying levels of access to therapeutic play support. Additionally, no integrated care board (ICB) includes health play within their children and young people's strategies, highlighting the urgent need for greater investment in this essential aspect of children's healthcare.
Written by urgent.news from Guardian Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
