Having fun in hospital is child’s play
A specialist who uses play as therapy for young hospital patients has been recognised by a national charity.
Each year the Starlight Children’s Foundation conducts a nationwide search for professionals who go that little bit further to ensure seriously ill youngsters do not use lose their childhood because of their illness.
Vicki Belton, a health play specialist working at the MRI department at Maidstone Hospital, came second in the national contest.
She was nominated by her colleagues because of the impact her work has on her patients and the wider medical team. Play and distraction is an integral part of treatment for a child in hospital.
Mrs Belton was presented with a Starlight Distraction Box full of arts and crafts donated by stationery firm Ryman, plus a voucher to help keep it topped up and a children’s play mat. She said: “To win second place out of many fantastic health play specialists being nominated is amazing. I work closely with the radiographers at Maidstone Hospital to make sure a child’s MRI experience is the best possible. It is a team effort, so I would like to thank them for supporting me.”
The award was presented during National Play in Hospital Week - an annual campaign to highlight the positive impact that play can have on young patients.
Cathy Gilman, the chief executive of Starlight, said: “We recognise the importance of play and distraction and are dedicated to supporting health play specialists with this award.”