Hospital Services

Mentor of the Year 2024: Florence Donovan

Moorfield’s health play specialist shines at Starlight Health Play Awards

Inspirational healthcare professional recognised as Mentor of the Year

Florence Donovan, from Moorfields Eye Hospital, won the Mentor of the Year 2024 award for her outstanding work in guiding the next generation of health play specialists.

Florence's passion for her work stems from her personal experiences as a child patient at Moorfields. After losing sight in her left eye due to a tumour at age five, she realised the power of play in healthcare.

To celebrate Play in Healthcare Week, Starlight holds the annual awards to shine a spotlight on how play can reduce fear, pain and trauma during a child’s treatment and recovery from illness

Florence Donovan said: “As a child I was in and out of hospital, but there was no play, nothing for children. I bought some toys in with me one day, and a nurse told me, ‘this is not a children’s play area.’ That stuck with me.

Later, when I moved to Moorfields, there was a playroom and a play leader who made my experience in hospital so much better. That experience made me realise how important play is, and it inspired me to give back by becoming a play specialist myself.

Now, I've been at Moorfields for 24 years, and it feels like I’ve come full circle. I'm really honoured to have won this award. It's great to feel appreciated for what you're doing and to help mentor someone else walk in your footsteps.”

Cathy Gilman, Chief Executive of Starlight, said: “These awards reflect the exceptional commitment of health play specialists who go above and beyond to support children through their hospital journeys. Florence represents the very best in healthcare play. Her work is transformative, helping children and young people navigate some of the toughest moments of their lives with compassion, care, and creativity. We are incredibly proud to recognise her achievements.”