Starlight Health Play Awards winners come together for special celebration

Alison, Matron for Integrated Paediatrics Royal London Hospital, Barts Health NHS Trust was presented with her award by Alistair Strathern MP.

She was  recognised for putting children’s emotional wellbeing at the heart of care and championing the expertise of health play specialists. 

She has made trauma-informed procedural care training mandatory for nursing staff helping colleagues use playful approaches to reduce fear and distress. 

Nicola Wright, a health play speiacliast at Queen Elizabeth Hospital, King’s Lynn, was presented with her award by Ellen Duke, National Deputy Director of Children and Young People’s Nursing at NHS England. 

Nominated by her current mentee, Nicola was celebrated for supporting and developing the next generation of health play professionals. Her guidance and encouragement is helping those entering the profession build the skills and confidence to support children and families. 

Health Play Specialist Emma Lester and Play Facilitator Toni Harris from Walsall Manor Hospital were presented with their award by Amber Ogunsanya-William, an award-winning playworker and an Elected Director at Play England.

They were recognised for making play a core part of children’s care and for helping new doctors understand how play can support children before, during and after treatment.  

Sophie, a health play specialist at University College Hospitals London NHS Foundation Trust, received her award from Kath Evans, Director of Children’s Nursing at Barts Health NHS Trust. She was celebrated for her sensitive and creative approach to supporting children with complex health needs through assessments, investigations and treatment.