St. Peter’s Hospital Paediatric Unit consists of Ash Ward for in-patients, Oak Ward day unit and Little Oaks day oncology unit.  There is a Play Room where all children on the unit are welcome, or play can be brought to the bedside.  There is also an enclosed garden for outdoor activities.  Little Oaks oncology unit has its own play area and a garden is currently under development.  Play is provided at both St. Peter’s Hospital and at Ashford Hospital Children’s Outpatient Unit. 

The Aims of the Play Programme

·          To create an environment where stress and anxiety are reduced minimising the effect of hospitalisation.

·          To be accessible to all ages, conditions, cultures and individual needs.

·          To promote the continuation of growth and development. 

·          To help children cope with illness and hospital by providing an outlet for their feelings.

·          To help children gain confidence, independence and self esteem.

·          To encourage parental involvement in play.

·          To reduce the length of stay in hospital.

·          To improve recovery rates.

o         To have fun!

 

The Pre-Admission Programme                       

Children due to come into St. Peter’s Hospital for planned surgery will be invited, along with their family, to attend a pre-admission familiarisation programme.

There is a Power Point presentation which follows a child’s journey when having day surgery.  This is a great help in letting you know what to expect on the day and who you might meet during your time on the ward.

This is followed by a tour of the ward and of the children’s waiting area and anaesthetic room in Theatres.  Then it’s back to the ward for a drink and a biscuit and a time to ask any questions you may have.

The pre-admission programme is run by the play team in conjunction with theatre staff and is available to all children undergoing any form of planned surgery.  It takes place on alternate Saturday mornings.  Visits during the week can be made by appointment with the Hospital Play Services Co-ordinator, although a visit to Theatres will not be possible during the week.

Preparation and Distraction

The play team can help to prepare children undergoing clinical procedures.  These may include MRI or CT scans, blood and allergy tests.  Using Power Point presentations and an extensive range of photographic books we aim to promote understanding and discussion of the procedure that your child is due to undergo.

A member of the play team is available to help to distract children during some medical procedures such as blood and allergy tests.  With the help of books, musical toys, puppets or bubbles our aim is to make the procedures as stress free as possible.

 

Oak and Ash Wards (St. Peter’s)

On the wards play is organized by the team who will liaise with doctors, nurses and therapists to provide a programme to meet individual needs.  A play programme for an individual child can be developed

. 

If you are due to visit the Paediatric Unit we have a play room, outside area and sensory room – there is something for everyone. 

PLAYROOM

In the playroom we have: -

·          Games, puzzles, books and videos.

·          Art and craft materials.

·          Painting and messy play.

·          Game Boys and games consoles.

·          Large connect four and a football table.

The play team are able to help organise individual and group activities.

Siblings are welcome to use the playroom but must be supervised by a parent/carer.

GARDEN

In the garden we have a climbing frame, bikes and scooters for the active, and a sensory garden for quiet time.

Parents can use the garden to make phone calls, although mobile phones are not allowed to be used in the playroom.

Whilst children are in the garden they must be supervised by an adult at all times.

SENSORY ROOM

In the multi-sensory room, we have a lit-bubble tube that changes colours, fibre-optic strings, soothing music and other visually stimulating equipment including a box of musical instruments.

An extensive range of special needs play equipment is also available and a member of the play team will meet with parents/carers to discuss how we can best meet the individual needs of a child.

We have weekly visits from our PAT Dog (Pets As Therapy) who is specially trained to visit people in hospital.  You can meet her in the playroom, or if you are unable to get out of bed, we will arrange for her to visit you on the ward.

Outpatients Department

The Outpatients Department at Ashford Hospital has a playroom which offers –

·          Painting and play dough.

·          Games, puzzles and books.

·          Art and craft materials.

·          Games consoles.

When possible the playroom will be manned by a member of the play team.

Siblings must be accompanied and supervised by an adult whilst in the playroom.

The children’s outpatients department at St. Peter’s Hospital has a play area.  While you are waiting for your clinic appointment your child can use the play equipment which includes:

·          Colouring pictures.

·          Board games, puzzles and books.

·          Building bricks.

·          Baby toys.

A member of the play team is also available for procedure preparation and distraction where necessary.

Siblings are welcome to come along but must be supervised by an adult at all times.

Contact the Team

The Trust Play Team is led by:

Jenny Kirby – Hospital Play Service Co-ordinator

Telephone Number 01932 723823 or email  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it