Health play services
Health play services use therapeutic play to help children and young people, their families, and carers have a positive experience of healthcare. It aids in the understanding of illness and treatment, reduces anxiety, and provides relaxation in unfamiliar surroundings.
What do health play services do?
Health play specialists can guide children through role-play and therapeutic play to help them:
- express feelings
- interact with medical equipment
- relieve boredom
- become comfortable in unfamiliar surroundings
- build confidence within hospital and clinical staff
Health play specialists need a foundation degree in Healthcare Play Specialism. Health play assistants also work within the play team and have childcare qualifications.
Watch this video produced by NHS Lothian to find out more about what play services do to support and care for children in hospital.
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