Play Therapists

 

All departments seeing more than 16,000 new patients/year should have, or have access to, a play therapist.

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The role of a play specialist in emergency care settings includes:

• providing distraction therapy for potentially distressing procedures enhancing nursing and medical skills to involve play in the management of procedures in children

• maintenance of a child-centred environment, including advising on safe and appropriate toys and facilities

• supervision of play in the department

• advising on the requirements of children with special needs

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Further information can be found in the 3rd edition of the RCPCH’s “Standards for Children and Young People in Emergency Care Settings”.