Hospital Play SpecialistsWho we are The hospital play specialists are qualified early childhood teachers trained to work with children in medical settings. Some may have advanced teaching qualifications and/or additional qualifications. Regular professional development is provided by the Hospital Play Specialist Association. We work as members of the professional healthcare team to: - help children express feelings and master and cope with anxieties
- contribute to improved understanding of the value and importance of play in hospital
- prepare children for medical and surgical procedures and treatments
- provide activities to maintain learning and development goals
- provides consultation to the health care team through informal assessment of children and youth/family strengths and needs regarding their developmental and psychosocial issues.
What services we offer
| Play specialists enhance patients' emotional, social and cognitive
growth during a hospital stay, giving special consideration to each
child's family, culture and stage of development.
We use
appropriate activities and resources as developmental interventions and
play to help patients and families adjust to the hospital and their
medical situation having a better understanding about it.
Play in hospital:
- helps patients develop ways to cope with fear, anxiety, separation and adjustment to the hospital experience
- provides preparation and individualized support before, during and after medical procedures
- facilitates developmentally appropriate play, including medical play, at the bedside, in activity rooms and in clinical areas
- enhances family involvement in their child’s care.
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Where we areThe play specialist’s office is located in Waikato Hospital on level 2 of Elizabeth Rothwell Building. Kapai Kidz Activity room is situated in Ward 53 lounge. Contact usPlay Specialist Office Level 2, Elizabeth Rothwell Building Waikato Hospital Hamilton Phone: (07) 839 8899 Ext 8171 & 6747
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