To celebrate Play in Healthcare Week (14-18 October), the UK’s leading charity for children’s play in hospitals and hospices 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.
Moorfields’ health play specialist is Starlight’s Mentor of the Year winner:
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.
Florence Donovan, Senior Health Play Specialist at Moorfields Eye Hospital, 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.”
Evelina London’s health play specialist is Starlight’s Health Play Specialist of the Year winner:
Eloise Lawrence, from Evelina London Children’s Hospital, was awarded Health Play Specialist of the Year 2024 for her dedication to supporting children through hospital procedures. Her work was recognised by colleagues in the Paediatric Radiology Department at the hospital.
Dr Arlen Urquia, Paediatric Radiology Consultant at Evelina London Children’s Hospital, said: “Eloise’s help is invaluable to us in the Radiology Department. Our young patients can struggle with lying still for images which are essential for their diagnosis and treatment. Eloise establishes a good relationship with them before they are brought into the examination rooms and they are better prepared for what is going to happen, as she’s explained it to them in a way they can understand. She recently helped with a young patient who we managed to perform an MRI on without the need of a general anaesthetic. It was so successful, we have thought of continuing this approach in other young patients, so that we don’t unnecessarily expose them to anaesthesia. We can only progress in our imaging development when we have people like Eloise to make it better for the patients.”
Epsom & St. Helier health play specialist is Starlight’s Health Play Specialist of the Year runner up:
Jessica Renwick, from Epsom & St. Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, was recognised as the runner up for Health Play Specialist of the Year, highlighting her outstanding contribution to therapeutic play services and her commitment to making a positive impact on young patients’ lives.
Jessica Renwick, Health Play Specialist at Epsom & St. Helier University Hospitals NHS Trust, said: “As a child patient myself, I was in and out of the hospital from a young age. The health play specialist was actually the one who explained my illness to me in a way that I still remember to this day. I feel that hospital does not have to be a scary place, and with the right support can benefit the patient to have a positive outlook on their time.”
St George’s play team is Starlight’s Play Team of the Year runner up:
The play team at St George’s Hospital was also celebrated at the runner up for Play Team of the Year. Their teamwork, creativity, and dedication in creating a safe and supportive environment for children undergoing treatment were key factors in their recognition.
Tracy Gibbons, Lead of Play Service, St George’s Hospital, said: “We help children and young people at a time when they need us most – such as during painful procedures or in stressful situations. We know through experience that if they feel scared and overwhelmed they experience more pain and trauma, and it’s our job to reduce that fear and make them more comfortable. We’re so proud at St George’s to be recognised for this award, and I’d like to say a big thank you to the incredible team here, as the play service would not be where it is today without each and every single one of them, as well as to those who nominated us.”
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, Eloise, Jessica, and the St George’s Play Team represent the very best in healthcare play. Their 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 their achievements.”
