BBC London visited the Royal London Hospital (Barts Health NHS Trust) to see how play and trauma-informed care are helping children feel safer, calmer and more in control during hospital treatment.
In the news
BBC explores how play is transforming children's hospital care
The BBC feature, broadcast during Play in Healthcare Week (5–9 October 2026), followed the work of Alison Klufio, Matron for Integrated Paediatrics at the Royal London Hospital, who was named the winner of Starlight's Protector of Play Award 2026.
BBC London reporter Wendy Hurrell visited the hospital to meet Alison, health play specialist Katie Friend (pictured, who nominated Alison for her Starlight Award), children and families, and Starlight CEO Cathy Gilman.
The report explored how play can help children cope with frightening medical experiences and the difference healthcare professionals can make by recognising and responding to children's emotional needs.
Putting children's emotional wellbeing at the heart of healthcare
Alison received Starlight's Protector of Play Award for her commitment to making play and trauma-informed care a central part of children's hospital experiences.
She has worked closely with health play specialists to help ensure children are prepared for medical procedures, have opportunities to understand what is happening and feel more in control of their treatment.
Her leadership has also helped make trauma-informed procedural care training mandatory for nurses, nurse practitioners and healthcare assistants across the paediatric services she oversees.
Celebrating those who protect play
The BBC report brought this work to life, highlighting the importance of supporting children emotionally as well as physically during healthcare.
Alison's story is one example of the outstanding work recognised through the Starlight Health Play Awards, which celebrate healthcare professionals who are helping to reduce fear, pain and trauma for children receiving treatment.
Alison was one of four winners and four runners-up in the Starlight Health Play Awards 2026. The Protector of Play Award is for those working within the NHS who are not health play professionals but are using or promoting play.
Online and radio
Alison's work was also featured on BBC Radio London throughout the day and in an article on the BBC News website, bringing further attention to the importance of play in children's healthcare and the difference that trauma-informed approaches can make to children and families.
Thank you to BBC London, Barts Health NHS Trust, Alison, Katie and all the families who helped make this feature possible.
October 2026