Hi Ruth

I'm so glad that I didn't upset anyone by sharing my feelings about using visiting hospital as a learning experince.

I would prefer to see childcarers, and playworkers and managers researching what the local specialist play provision is at the hospital(s) the children from their setting are likely to receive treatment.

Find out the name(s) of the children's wards, if the employ a play specialist or play worker and find out the name of the play specialist and if you are able to send referals to them.

Find out if other depts in the hospital(s) employ a play specialist, such a the emergency dept & outpatients dept. That way if you know a child is going for an appointment or taking the child to the emergency dept due to an accident, you can tell the parent to ask for the play specialist and give them the play specialist's name.

Many Community Nursing Services now employ a play specialist to visit children in the own homes, if there is a child with a chonic long term condition or complex special needs. It could be very useful if the childcare setting had a contact number and name of the play specialist from a community nursing service(if they employ one) just in case one of your settings children becomes seriously unwell or you asked to have a child who has recovered from such a condition.

If a child voices issues regarding hospital treatment it is always inportant to discuss these issues on a one to one. If you don't know the answers to their questions, say so, but tell them you will find out and tell them. I have often over the years had nursery nurses and playwokers phoning me, at the hospital, to ask how would be the best way to explain issues regaring treatment and hospital admission. I am always happy to help. Please don't feel that you don't need others help with what to say, as it can have very long term consequences for this child's health care.

I have always felt it strange that it is very common place in many setting to liaise with speech therapists, health visitors etc but rarely the play specialist which is a shame.:sorry:

I do hope many more people who work with children are aware of their local play specialist(s) and their range of provision to them can liaise with them to best help the children.

hattyhar