Inside the Leicester Children’s Hospital there is a dedicated team of play specialists whose job is to help children prepare for medical procedures and feel more comfortable in a hospital environment.
The team of 28 play professionals covers all areas of the children’s hospital, and includes registered healthcare play specialists, play assistants, and apprentices. They help children prepare for medical procedures, using play to explain what will happen and to reduce fear and anxiety.
Senior Play Specialist, Sue Grewcock, has been supporting children at the University Hospitals of Leicester NHS Trust for 45 years and is one of the longest-serving play specialists in the country.
Sue began her NHS journey in 1980, aged just 18, after completing her nursery nurse training, joining the hospital to gain two years’ experience, but those two years turned into a lifelong career.
Sue said: “Once I saw the difference we were making to children and families, I knew I wanted to stay. Seeing children recover and smile again has been such a privilege.”
When Sue first started the role, children’s wards looked very different to how they are today. She recalled: “Parents had to leave after admission and could only visit during set times. We looked after the children, and part of our role was to use play to comfort them and bring a sense of normality. Over time, visiting policies changed, and the role of play specialists became a recognised and essential part of hospital care.
“It’s the small things that stay with you, helping a child smile again after a difficult day or seeing them walk out of the hospital after a long stay. Being part of that journey is incredibly special.”
Throughout her career, Sue has supported thousands of children, helping them prepare for procedures, recover from surgery, and cope with long stays in hospital. She has also seen huge changes in how play is used to support children’s physical and emotional wellbeing.
As well as helping children feel comfortable in a hospital setting, the team also supports recovery through fun and creative sessions that make rehabilitation less daunting.
For parents like Monika, whose five-year-old daughter Anashe has been in hospital for 10 days following an infection, Sue and her colleagues have been a vital source of comfort.
Monika said: “The play specialists have been amazing, and they really put their hearts into what they do. They understand the children so well and know exactly how to support them.
“They’ve spent time doing arts and crafts with Anashe and helped to distract her during blood tests, which has made her feel much calmer. Emotionally, it’s made such a difference to her stay. I didn’t even know play specialists existed before this, but now I can see just how important they are.”
Marking Play in Hospital Week – the annual awareness week showcases the importance of providing the opportunity, space and time for play to children in hospitals – Sue has reflected on the importance of using play as therapy.
She added: “Play is not just an activity; it is an essential part of how we support children in hospital. It helps them understand procedures, feel calmer, and cope with being unwell. Our work can help make a hospital stay less scary and more manageable. After 45 years, I still see the difference it makes every single day, and I’m proud to be part of a team that provides this support to so many children.”