chantal taylor / play specialist

Based on a children’s ward Chantal’s work is primarily about distraction and occupation. Chantal’s highly specialised and unique role exists to assist injured or ill children undergoing surgery and recovery. Having worked with children for eight and a half years her aim is clear  “it’s really important to normalise their environment and routine through play and activity”.  As we arrive to set up we meet a boy no older than seven with a thigh high cast, he makes his way around the play room in a wheel chair, and he is at times inquisitive and abrupt, clearly frustrated by his confinement. Chantal’s first task is to find out what’s normal for children and then introduce this to their daily routine; this can range from a play station to homework.

Surprisingly Chantal points out that “even sick children need to play”.  The hospital contains a specialised stimulation room with various LED displays and vibrating surfaces. Whilst the room is designed for children with specialised communication needs it seems to be a much sought after space for any and all of the children with its disco style lava lamps and music.

Some of the therapies provided play a vital role in getting small children through painful and difficult procedures. Distraction therapy can involve games and books, occupying children during injections or intubations while the more pastoral aspects of the role involve taking children to theatre for operation or explaining equipment before a procedure, eliminating some of the scare factor.