Play during the pandemic
As part of Play In Hospitals week, our play team spent some time reflecting on what they did during the pandemic.
Emma
During the pandemic I was redeployed to help out in adult services, still in the capacity of “play”.
It was evident how much the power of play was as effective with our older patients as it is with children. Transferring my skills from my everyday role in paediatrics, I was able to provide activities for the patients to help distract them, aid their recovery, and provide company at a time when the world and the way of life we were living was alien to us all. It was a great experience to see and be a part of the power of play during the pandemic in a way I had not seen it before
Keshia
During the pandemic I went to Osbourne Grove to support the patients who were recovering from having Covid-19. I was able to transfer my play and interaction skills with the adult patients as well as learn new skills such as sign language, poetry and cookery. This opportunity allowed me to see how far I could go with being adaptable as well as gaining confidence working with older patients.
Megan
During the height of the pandemic I stayed in our paediatrics department. I focused a lot on staff wellbeing and morale due to it being quite low at times. I provided activities, therapeutic colouring, thinking exercises and organised a socially distanced afternoon tea for International Nurse’s Day. By doing these it helped keep staff morale up and created a more positive environment to work in.
I also helped our paediatric community team by providing play opportunities and distraction for our paediatric patients at home.
Manisha
Continuing to provide play specialist intervention with our patients at North Mid was a vital role.
I was able to provide play activities for our long-term patients and also bring some fun through the power of play! Providing distraction while patients were having medical procedures and reducing anxiety by bringing familiarity though play. This made being in hospital a more positive experience for children, young people and parents during the height of the pandemic.