Abbi Spurdle (pictured), a registered play specialist at our Trust, provides specialised play supporting children who come into our Children’s Emergency Department.

She is passionate about the benefits play can bring to children in hospital, particularly when preparing for treatment. Abbi explained:

“It strengthens their coping abilities and reduces anxiety by preparing children and young people for invasive procedures. 

“It can reduce anxiety and decrease pain by using play distraction techniques - depending on age this varies but it could be singing, musical, toys, iPad, bubbles, or even just talking.

“Play is a natural part of childhood which enables children to explore and make sense of the world they live in. For children and young people who attend hospital access to play carries greater significance.

“Play enhances their experience by enabling them to have a choice. It is something familiar to children and young people in a strange hospital environment, aiding communication, reducing anxiety as well as relieving boredom.”

Abbi, who joined our Trust in June 2020, shared how play in our Children’s ED is helping to enhance the experience for children and their families while in our care, at our Trust Board Meeting earlier this month.

She added: “I was a bit nervous at first but thought it was a good opportunity to share some of the great things we are doing in the Children's Emergency Department; how we are sharing the feedback we are receiving from children and young people and their parents.

“Since setting up the department the wider multi-disciplinary team is now able access the play cupboards in ED 24/7, and they are doing so frequently. We’ve also developed play packs with colouring and crayons for the children to use here and take home.

“We are working alongside various charities to get donations, including our hospitals’ charity, and the team are supporting parents much more, as only one parent is allowed into ED due to Covid restrictions.”

Abbi also emphasised how rewarding she finds her role, which is one many people are unaware of: “I love being a play specialist. It is great working as part of a fabulous supportive team.

“I can go home after each shift knowing that I have made a difference to a child /young person's experience in the emergency department at Queen's.”