Hospital services

Oxford health play specialist honoured for helping children come to terms with their long- term condition

Laura Clay, a Health Play Specialist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), has been selected as runner-up Health Play Specialist of the Year in Starlight’s Health Play Awards 2025.  

She was nominated by multiple colleagues in the Paediatric and Adolescent Rheumatology Team for her incredible work supporting children and young people diagnosed with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) – a painful autoimmune condition which needs close management and regular medication, including injections.  

From classroom to clinic  

Initially a teacher, she realised later in her career that she wanted to work more closely with children and families in a different kind of setting - “Somewhere I could support them in a very practical, emotional way,” she said.  

Laura worked at Southampton Children’s Hospital before joining the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre (NOC), part of OUH, in Oxford in 2021.     

Since then, Laura has developed her role in the outpatient's department using tailored play and preparation resources to support children before and after procedures, finding creative ways to adapt activities for different age groups. She worked hard to integrate her work into the multidisciplinary medical team.   

“We’re a close-knit team and we’re all focused on the same thing - making hospital visits as manageable as possible for the child. That means collaborating with doctors, nurses, physiotherapists, and occupational therapists to ensure that play isn’t just fun - it’s purposeful, helping children understand treatments, support medications, and build confidence.”   Laura

Emotional support and teen transition  

She also provides emotional support for children who are struggling to cope with their medication and with the impact the condition is having on their lives. Paediatric physiotherapist Eleanor Lawson said: “She is a fantastic asset to the team as she has had to cover conversations that otherwise would be approached by psychologists. I can see how much her style of conversation would help young people understand their diagnosis and develop positively as a person with a long-term condition.”   

 

Overcoming fear with virtual reality  

One situation which stands out for Laura is that of a young man who needed regular blood tests to monitor his condition, but he was incredibly anxious about them. “I worked with him and his family. I tried to help him understand why the blood tests were necessary and why it was important. And eventually he did have a blood test using our Virtual Reality headset as distraction. He now attends clinics for blood tests with less apprehension and always uses the VR headset with my support.”  

She also said a child’s response to their diagnosis and treatment can change over time: “They might hit seven or eight and decide they’ve had enough, which is distressing, and my role definitely helps them through these periods too. I acknowledge with the children that it is horrible to have JIA but it’s manageable.”   

“Often, parents are just as anxious as the children. If I can help their child feel calmer, explain things in a child-friendly way, and give them coping strategies, it makes a huge difference to the whole family who can feel something similar to a bereavement when their child is diagnosed with a long-term condition. I’m so privileged because I've got such lovely relationships with so many families.” Laura

Laura was “astonished” at her selection for the runner-up award: “I get lots of appreciation from the rheumatology team and parents but to be recongised in this way means a lot to me, it makes it all worthwhile.”  

“Laura has made such a positive impact with the patients, families and team at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre. I am incredibly proud that her work has been recognised by her colleagues and Starlight this year. In four years she has evaluated and made huge improvements to the care of patients in her service. Laura is very resourceful and always looking for the next big thing to support children and young people. Her work with both teenagers and virtual reality is incredible. 

Jo Pinney, Health Play Specialist Team Manager at OUH

Dr Krutika Pau, Deputy CEO of Starlight

“Laura’s dedication and compassion embody the very best of the health play profession. By using play in such a purposeful and sensitive way, she helps children and young people feel less frightened and more in control of their care and condition. Her creativity and commitment not only make a real difference to the children and families she supports but also inspire colleagues across the organisation. We’re delighted to see her recognised in this year’s Health Play Awards.” 

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 hospitals. Their efforts make a lasting impact, and we can’t wait to celebrate this year’s remarkable winners in November.”