The play team at Ipswich Hospital is celebrating after winning a national award from children’s theatre charity Starlight.
The national charity honoured the resilience and dedication of health play specialists who are changing the experience seriously ill children have in hospital during national Play in Hospital Week (11 to 17 October).
The Ipswich play team scooped the Play Team 2021 award for the work they do as hospital-based health play specialists, providing play and distraction services to children at Ipswich Hospital.
Between them they have 40 years of experience, using play to help children overcome fear and anxiety and normalise the environment when usual activities and certainties have been taken away.
The team, which includes Siobhan Castle, Clare Sharp and Karen Seymour, were nominated by consultant paediatrician and clinical lead for paediatrics at Ipswich Hospital Dr Lauren Filby.
Lead play specialist Siobhan said: “There are so many bigger teams in bigger hospitals so we were completely delighted when we were told that we had won. This is certainly a morale booster for the team.
“It highlights the role of play specialists, not just in our hospital, but other hospitals around the UK. For us, this award reflects the work we do with patients, families and our multi-disciplinary team. The doctors, nurses and staff who work within child health at Ipswich will all be supportive of this award. Without them we couldn’t do our job.”
Dr Filby added: “The play team is a bedrock of our children’s service. They make play a part of the experience of families every time they come to hospital, and their positive presence is felt across all of our departments.
“Play for a child is like light for a plant. They can limp along without it, but they don’t flourish or thrive. When a child is helped to feel comfortable and safe and to have fun, it brings out the natural courage, hope, and bravery of children. That enables us to treat them, but It’s also what gets whole families through dark times.”
Cathy Gilman, Chief Executive of Starlight, said: “Our awards shine a spotlight on the incredibly important work these dedicated professionals are tirelessly doing for seriously ill children in hospital. The team clearly exudes a passion for their work, and I would like to extend huge congratulations from everyone at Starlight on their well-deserved win.”
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