Abstract

Play for Sick Children offers a unique insight into the crucial work of the play specialist. It examines the repercussions of being ill and receiving treatment experienced by children and their families, and highlights the importance of receiving quality play opportunities to counter these negative effects. The author proposes that play should be a high priority for those working in hospitals and other healthcare settings, and challenges other professionals to acknowledge, understand, accept and value the play specialist's role within the multidisciplinary team.

The book explores the history of play in hospital, outlines the basic techniques and practical approaches used in working with sick children and young people, and identifies and discusses key theoretical and practical elements of the ever-changing role of the play specialist.

This all-encompassing resource will be of great value to the ever growing and dedicated community of professionals who provide play, information and emotional support for sick children and their families.

Catherine Hubbuck is a hospital play specialist based in Bristol, most recently working in the Play Department at the Bristol Royal Hospital for Children. She has worked in both acute inpatient settings and extensively with children as outpatients. Catherine lives with her husband and three children.
This is a useful and informative book for those looking to deepen their understanding of the play specialist role, and to revise the important and powerful tool of play throughout childhood, particularly if the child has been ill or hospitalised. Therefore, I would recommend this as a book to borrow from the library or to have available within a department for students, newly qualified therapists or new starters to refer to.
British Journal of Occupational Therapy