THURSDAY, 1 OCTOBER, 2015

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE. PHOTO ATTACHED.

L-R BACK ROW: GILLIAN DOIG, SANDIE SPALDING, ELAINE HODGSON, PAULA LAWSON

L-R FRONT ROW: DEBBY MCKEE, UNA PATON, MAY DUNCAN, MAXINE ROY

40 Years of Play in Hospital

Play specialists across the UK are proud to celebrate 40 years of play in hospitals.

Play specialists across the UK are celebrating the progress and achievements made during the past 40 years since the National Association of Hospital Play Specialists (NAHPS) was formed.

The first play specialist was appointed in Ninewells Hospital in 1982, qualifying as a play specialist in 1993. Today there is a team of seven play specialists covering Ninewells Hospital and Perth Royal Infirmary.

May Duncan, senior play specialist, said, “Play specialists have experience in working with a wide range of children and young people and have an insight into various ways that stress can be alleviated through play.

“The service provides play for all ages including therapeutic play, preparation for medical and surgical procedures and distraction.

“We run a seven-day-a-week service and offer support to parents and carers.”

Contact:

Lyndsey Daun

NHS Tayside Communications

(01382) 424138