Hospital Services

Leanne wins Health Play Specialist of the Year for pioneering continence work

A Durham health play specialist has been honoured with a national award for making a “profound difference” to young lives through her exceptional work supporting children with continence challenges – an area which is little talked about.   

Leanne Gowland, who works for County Durham and Darlington NHS Foundation Trust’s Community Services, has been named Health Play Specialist of the Year in the Starlight Play in Healthcare Awards 2025.  

Leanne works in the Children’s Bladder and Bowel team alongside recently qualified Health Play Specialist Ann Bainbridge (who Leanne mentored during her apprenticeship) supporting patients across the county in their homes, schools and sometimes on wards using therapeutic play preparation and distraction techniques to help with treatments, reduce anxiety and improve their healthcare experiences.  

Her team sees 100-200 children a year from age three to 19 and has a five to seven-month waiting list. “There can be so many reasons why a child is having continence issues,” explained Leanne, who has been developing the role which was newly created in 2022. “It can be because of sensory difficulties or maybe they have additional needs. They might not realise they are thirsty so don’t drink enough at the right time which can have both urinary and bowel consequences. So often building a routine is key.”  

She is one of very few play professionals who specialise in this area and her recognition comes at a critical time as admissions to hospital for continence-related issues among children reach a ten-year high.   

There has been a surge in the number of referrals since Covid which she thinks is related to issues such as school anxiety and delayed toilet training with the absence of routine a key factor. She added: “It’s now not unusual for children in Year 6 [10/11-year-olds] to have toileting issues. I see some children who have never been without a nappy or pull-up. It means some families even avoid leaving the house!”  

Playdough, Weetabix, and balloons are used to demonstrate what is happening in the child’s body to make the process more fun and reduce anxiety. “There can be a lot of fear tied up with it so being able to use sensory toys, some supplied by Starlight, and even simple things like watching something on an iPad or singing whilst on the toilet can make a difference,” Leanne added.  

A HPS since 2002, 16 of those years on a general paediatric ward, Leanne also worked in special educational needs before that and has utilised all this experience for this specialised role.  

She was nominated for being “amazing” at what she does and sharing her knowledge with colleagues across the medical team, as well as mentoring health play students, demonstrating “passion and commitment” and making a “profound difference to children’s lives, preventing hospital admissions” and “protecting their mental health”. 

“I was in shock when I found out,” said Leanne about the award. “I knew my manager had nominated me, but I didn’t realise anyone else had. It feels a little bit surreal. I am grateful to be recognized. I work with a fantastic team and it’s lovely to know the work makes a difference because I feel very passionate about this issue. It’s about helping children live as fully as possible -and if play, structure, and support can open those doors, then that’s what I’ll keep doing.”  

Several children Leanne works with are home-schooled because of their challenges which is “heartbreaking”, she said: “So children are not only missing out on social interaction and academic resources but also a routine which is key to success in this area.”  

Leanne and Ann are establishing face-to-face workshops for children and parents to widen access to support and challenge taboos and stigma. “Some parents think their child will never be continent, but I can tell when a child has the capacity to use the toilet successfully and I will do everything I can to help that happen.”

Cathy Gilman, Chief Executive of Starlight, said: “Leanne’s work shows the difference that dedicated health play professionals can make to children and families in specialised areas such as continence challenges as well as in general paediatrics. But the reality is that far too many children across the country cannot access this support. Her determination to help children and their families navigate these complex conditions is an inspiration. She’s a trailblazer in this field and we are thrilled to recognise her with this award.” 

Michael Errington - Chief Operating Officer, Ryman said: “We’re truly honoured to support the Starlight Play in Hospital Awards once again. Each year, we’re deeply inspired by the creativity, compassion, and dedication shown by those who bring the magic of play to children in hospitals. Their efforts make a lasting impact, and we can’t wait to celebrate this year’s remarkable winners in November.”