Investing more in play resources for children in hospital could prevent them from developing “serious, long-term mental health problems”, a charity has claimed.The report, Reducing Trauma For Children In Healthcare, also highlights “huge gaps in play resources” in the UK and called for investment in play professionals and resources.According to analysis by the charity, there are 1,156 people in a variety of roles in the UK’s play workforce, but only 571 are registered health play specialists .
The NHS describes a HPS as a someone who uses “play as a therapeutic tool to help children understand their illness and treatment” working alongside other health professionals “to prepare children for treatment and engage them during difficult procedures”. Recognising the importance of and investing in play professionals and resources need to be a priority, yet our report has highlighted woeful gaps in play services across the country
Ms Gilman added: “Recognising the importance of and investing in play professionals and resources need to be a priority, yet our report has highlighted woeful gaps in play services across the country.“When we ask children about being in hospital the overwhelming response is that hospital is scary and play makes it better.”