Support workers have a vital role to play in play

Within this article, the author will be examining the importance of play for children and young people, especially when they are in hospital. Play will be defined; however, this is a concept which is difficult to grasp, as play means different things to different people. The article will highlight the benefits that play brings for healthy children, before discussing the important role it has for children and young people in hospital.

The fact that play is everybody's business and should not just be left to the play specialist alone, will be asserted and demonstrated. Support workers are closest to patient care and are therefore ideally placed to support children and young people to play within the healthcare settings where they are being cared for.