Play is an essential part of childhood and is an important part of our approach to care.
We have a fully equipped playroom open 7 days a week which is run by qualified health play specialists and play assistants.
They are specially trained to use play to help children cope with any distressing experiences they may have while in hospital, such as blood tests or operations.
The team use play to:
- prepare children for procedures and help them to understand what will happen
- and distract children’s attention from treatments and procedures while they are happening
The playroom is open Monday to Sunday, 10am to 5pm.
Pill school
Royal Brompton Hospital's play team run a 'pill school' to help children and young people move from liquid medication to tablets. The team support families with daily medication routines and provide structured tuition.
The pill school is available both in-person and online. Patients can be referred to the hospital's pill school by their clinical team, or can they refer themselves to the service.
An initial assessment it carried out in-person or by video.
This assessment is then followed by a daily video appointment with a senior play specialist who leads and supports the child or young person through their transition to tablet medication.
Patients are given a pack including clear guidance, instructions and a sports water bottle.