[Sarah Curry]

#85906

Play is so important in our paediatric oncology ward. The children sometimes stay for days or weeks to have chemotherapy, procedures or if they are vey sick. I have seen the benefit of art therapy, play therapy and continuing education within the ward with the hospital’s teachers. Being in the ward without any form of stimulation, a lot of children start to withdraw from the staff and their parents; become angry or very scared; become listless and bored. This makes it more challenging to communicate with them and perform procedures.
When adding play, it helps form a connection and build trust with the patient and their family. It also makes the children happier and they seem to become more resilient to some of the awful parts of being in hospital away from friends and family.
During the week there is also a karate class for all the children, including the children who come for appointments at our OPD. The children are noticeably happier and higher energy for the rest of the day after these activities.

[Helene Best]

#85916

I fully agree that play is so very important for children, not only to occupy them, but to allow physical, cognitive and emotional involvement for stimulation and normal development. It allows for connection and joy, something that is essential to have quality of life, even if you are in hospital. As a music therapist, I see how play in music serves as a way to work through difficult emotions, how it can help to lift energy levels and how play can connect and bring humor and fun to even sick children. Some degree of normality can be experienced in play which is very important for the children.

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