Job summary

The Children's Unit at The Princess Royal Hospital consists of a 33 Bedded inpatient ward, 3 Bedded Children's Oncology and Haematology Unit, Children's Assessment Unit and Children's Outpatient Departments at both The Princess Royal Hospital and The Royal Shrewsbury Hospital. We care for Children and Young People aged 0 to 17 years old with a variety of medical and mental health needs.

We are looking for a Hospital Play Assistant who is undertaking a further qualification and training in Health Play Specialism or therapeutic play interventions. They will have an understanding of Child Development to undertake play assessments, support play opportunities and find creative ways to make play possible when there are physical and emotional barriers.

They will be a fully integrated member of the Health Professionals Team who will work within the Departmental team but also independently using their initiative, organisation, leadership and time management skills. The Hospital Play assistant will provide developmental, therapeutic and specialised play techniques for all ages and diversities in an effort to fulfil emotional, social and developmental needs and help alleviate emotional trauma.

Main duties of the job

• Help children and young people to recognise existing coping strategies and form new ones.
• Use their skills to Prepare children and young people for procedures and treatments by putting them in the driving seat and supporting understanding and myth-busting.
• Work with children, young people and families on the most effective ways to distract from procedures and treatments, when appropriate.
• Support children to make sense of what they are experiencing with the strategic use of play-based techniques.
• Offer distraction, relaxation and desensitisation techniques for children and young people undergoing medical procedures.
• Contribute to patient notes and documentation
• Source creative, fun activities and social opportunities for children and young people while they are in hospital.
• Undertake observations and assessments relating to play sessions
• Give support and advice to parent and other care-givers on ways they can support play.
• Supports general play either in the play/adolescent rooms or at the bedside
• Highlight the importance of play in assisting recovery and aiding development to all health professionals and students.
• Help bridge the gap between hospital and home, creating a positive environment and a positive patient journey

About us

Join us at The Shrewsbury and Telford Hospital NHS Trust, where our passion for excellence drives everything we do.

We're on a mission to provide high quality, safe care to our patients, in an environment our incredible staff are proud to work in.

Our vision, 'To provide excellent care for the communities we serve,' is not just a statement; it's a promise we live by every day. Guided by our core Values - Partnering, Ambitious, Caring, and Trusted - we're determined to make a real difference in the lives of those who matter most: our patients and their families.

If you're ready to be part of a team that's dedicated to continuous improvement, come join us and let's make a difference together!