Research and Insights

Children in Scottish hospitals deprived of mental health support

Only one in four (25%) health boards in Scotland report having budgets for essential mental health play services for seriously ill children, according to a Starlight freedom of information request.

Areas with the most children living in areas of highest deprivation tended to have less or no resourcing. As noted in Starlight’s recent report, these children are most at risk of trauma.

Research also revealed that even those trusts with budget for play services did not extend support to evenings and weekends – quiet periods that can be hardest of all for children to face.

I genuinely believe that a paediatric hospital couldn’t function properly without a solid, well-trained play team. Play is such a vital component of creating a positive experience for both the child and their family and is an inseparable part of their treatment journey. You can’t separate children from play, it’s inherent to who they are. But it’s crucial that this play is appropriate and provided by trained professionals who understand the unique needs of these young patients.

Heather Beattie, Play Service Manager at Royal Aberdeen Children's Hospital

In October 2024, Heather’s team won Play Team of the Year award at Starlight’s annual Play in Healthcare Awards.

Play services, which include evidence-based activities, games and toys, are one of the most effective ways to reduce trauma in children undergoing healthcare treatment. It can explain complex procedures in child-friendly ways, distract children from pain and help professionals do their jobs by reducing children’s stress.

The lack of budget for this vital support in Scotland is as shocking as it is sad, with so many children facing incredibly harrowing circumstances without support.

Cathy Gilman, Chief Executive