Hospital Services

Dudley Hospital Play Team Honoured for Transforming Children’s Healthcare

The Children’s Play Team at Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust has been named Runner-Up Play Team of the Year in the Starlight Health Play Awards 2025, recognising their exceptional work improving hospital experiences for children through the power of play. 

The award celebrates the achievements of Julie Dale, Dionne Lewin, and Sharnie Whitehouse, who work across the children’s inpatient ward and outpatients departments. Their mission is simple but vital, to reduce fear, ease anxiety, and make hospital care a more positive experience for young patients. 

Helping Children Face Procedures with Confidence

One of the team’s standout innovations involves helping children as young as six to stay awake during MRI scans, a procedure often performed under sedation or general anaesthetic in hospitals across the UK. 

Using a LEGO® MRI model to familiarise children with the process, the team has helped many undergo scans awake, improving safety, reducing recovery times, and empowering children to understand what’s happening. 

Beyond medical preparation, the team ensures that hospital stays don’t mean missing out on the joys of childhood. They organise celebrations such as World Book Day, Star Wars Day, and Sports Day, complete with costumes, stories, and laughter and it has been instrumental in launching Super Surgery Days, an initiative to help clear waiting lists by creating a calm, child-friendly environment for day-case patients. 

Making Hospital a Place for Joy

“The LEGO MRI model helps make the procedure fun and less intimidating. It’s amazing to see how quickly children relax once they know what to expect. 

“We try to make sure children don’t miss out on important milestones. These moments mean so much to them.  

"The recognition means the world. We’re absolutely thrilled. It’s wonderful to see the difference play makes every day.” - Julie

Karen Anderson, Head of Children’s Services praised the team’s collaborative spirit: 

“Their input is valuable and wide-reaching. They work closely with nurses, doctors, surgeons, and therapists to ensure every child receives the support they need. They also spread joy with their regular fun days and creative play activities.” 

“Our Play Team are essential in making the hospital a more comfortable environment for children. Their compassion and creativity make our most vulnerable patients feel at ease.” 

Diane Wake, Chief Executive of Dudley Group NHS Foundation Trust

The Dudley Play Team represent everything our Health Play Awards are about – compassion, creativity, and commitment to making a real difference for children and families. Their innovative approach, from preparing children for complex procedures to ensuring they don’t miss out on treasured milestones, shows just how powerful play can be in transforming hospital experiences. We’re delighted to recognise their wide-reaching impact and celebrate their well-deserved achievement.

Dr Krutika Pau, Deputy Chief Executive of Starlight

Michael Errington, Ryman’s Chief Operating officer: “We’re truly honoured to support the Starlight Health Play 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 healthcare. Their efforts make a lasting impact, and we can’t wait to celebrate this year’s remarkable winners in November.