Job Overview

The Children's Unit at The Princess Royal Hospital consists of a 33 Bedded inpatient ward, 3 Bedded Children's Oncology and Haematology Unit, Children's Assessment Unit and Children's Outpatient Departments at both The Princess Royal Hospital and The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. We care for Children and Young People aged 0 to 17 years old with a variety of medical and mental health needs.

We are looking for registered Health Play Specialists who has expert knowledge and experience of Play with the well child and with the sick child/young person. They will be a fully integrated member of the Health Professionals Team who will work within the Departmental team but also independently using their initiative, organisation, leadership and time management skills. The Hospital Play Practitioner will provide developmental, therapeutic and specialised play techniques for all ages and diversities in an effort to fulfil emotional, social and developmental needs and help alleviate emotional trauma.

Main duties of the job

• Help children and young people to recognise existing coping strategies and form new ones.
• Use their skills to Prepare children and young people for procedures and treatments by putting them in the driving seat and supporting understanding and myth-busting.
• Work with children, young people and families on the most effective ways to distract from procedures and treatments, when appropriate.
• Support children to make sense of what they are experiencing with the strategic use of play-based techniques.
• Offer distraction, relaxation and desensitisation techniques for children and young people undergoing medical procedures.
• Contribute to patient notes and documentation
• Source creative, fun activities and social opportunities for children and young people while they are in hospital.
• Undertake observations and assessments relating to play sessions
• Give support and advice to parent and other care-givers on ways they can support play.
• Supports general play either in the play/adolescent rooms or at the bedside
• Highlight the importance of play in assisting recovery and aiding development to all health professionals and students.
• Help bridge the gap between hospital and home, creating a positive environment and a positive patient journey