Seven-Day Play Support Aids Children at Leeds Hospital

Play in Healthcare Week highlights vital therapeutic services

Leeds Children’s Hospital provided care to over 11,000 children last year, with specialist Play Specialists delivering around 338 therapeutic play sessions each week. This service aims to help young patients understand, manage, and recover from their treatment.

Seven-day play support is rare in UK hospitals

Only about one-third of hospitals across the UK offer specialist play support every day of the week. Leeds Children’s Hospital is among the minority that provides continuous access to its Play Team, supporting children and their families throughout their hospital stay.

Role of Play Specialists in patient care

Play Specialists use therapeutic play as an integral part of healthcare, not just as a recreational activity. Their work helps children to:

• Understand medical procedures
• Cope with the emotional and physical challenges of treatment
• Support recovery and wellbeing

Families have expressed appreciation for the Play Specialists, describing them as “superheroes” who make a positive difference during difficult times.

Support and fundraising efforts

Leeds Hospitals Charity is encouraging local individuals and businesses to support the Play Appeal during Play in Healthcare Week. The appeal aims to secure the future of the seven-day play service by inviting people to become regular donors.

The charity is also raising awareness about the importance of play in hospital settings, emphasising its role as an essential part of care for young patients.

For more information, visit Leeds Hospitals Charity.