Job Description

We have a rare vacancy in our Health Play team for a Play specialist.



We are looking for a dynamic, energetic person who will bring new ideas and innovations to an established team. The aim of the team is to provide a high quality holistic play service for children, young people and their families enabling them to feel safe and at ease within the hospital environment.



To assess ,plan, implement and evaluate play interventions whilst being aware of the emotional needs of the child. To use therapeutic techniques such as preparation, distraction and post procedural play to suit the individual needs of the child and reduce any negative or psychological effects of hospitalisation. To plan and implement play activities and prioritise workload. To provide support for the child and family by demonstrating play and communication skills with the child in different settings within the Trust. To advise parents on dealing with behavioral/emotional/physical problems arising from hospitalisation. To provide documented play based observations and actions to influence and support overall assessment of the child, reporting concerns to the nurse in charge.

Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust provides a full range of hospital and community services for people across East Cheshire (population 399K) and West Cheshire and Chester (population 357K).



The Trust provides high quality planned and emergency care, cardiac, critical care, child health, maternity services and intermediate care at Leighton Hospital in Crewe, Victoria Infirmary in Northwich, and Elmhurst Intermediate Care Centre in Winsford.



The Trust provides 500 beds and employs over 5,000 members of staff.



A wide range of community services is provided across 26 medical centres and schools by Central Cheshire Integrated Care Partnership, in collaboration with Cheshire and Wirral Partnership NHS FT and the South Cheshire and Vale Royal GP Alliance.



With the formation of Integrated Care Systems in July 2022, the Trust became a strategic partner in Cheshire East and Cheshire West and Chester 'places' and is part of the Cheshire and Merseyside partnership, caring for a population of over 2.7million.



During the Coronavirus pandemic, the Trust was recognised nationally for its 'Be Safe Be EquiPPEd' campaign.



Mid Cheshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust has been included in the Government's 'New Hospital Programme' to replace the current estate and enable the transformation of healthcare for our community.



At Mid Cheshire, our mission is to inspire hope and provide unparalleled care for the people and communities of Cheshire, helping them to enjoy life to the fullest.



Using theoretical knowledge and evidence based practice to assess, plan, implement and evaluate play interventions whilst being aware of the emotional needs of the hospitalised child



To use therapeutic techniques such as preparation, distraction and post procedural play to suit the individual needs of the child and reduce any negative or psychological effects of hospitalisation



To plan and implement play activities and prioritise workload



To provide support for the child and family by demonstrating play and communication skills with the child in different departments throughout the Trust e.g. outpatients, radiology



To advise parents on dealing with behavioural/emotional/physical problems arising from hospitalisation



To create a safe and welcoming environment for all children to experience play whilst in hospital



Participate as a member of the multi-disciplinary team within the hospital and community (if appropriate) to decisions with regard to patient care/treatment



Liaise with the multi-disciplinary team whilst acting as the advocate for the child & family



To provide documented play based observations and actions to influence and support overall assessment of the child and report any concerns to the nurse in charge



To ensure that up to date written records and activity data are maintained in accordance with professional and Trust standards



To select, monitor and order play resources to reflect the needs of the patient group



To be responsible for maintaining play equipment, in accordance with trust health, safety and infection prevention and control policies



To co-ordinate the day to day activities of students and support staff



Share knowledge and experiences to promote therapeutic benefits of play



To participate in the planning and implementation of the training/education of students and other members of the multidisciplinary team



To participate in the orientation, training and supervision of new staff and students



Where appropriate to support and involve parents in their child's treatment and play plans



To refer children to Local Education Authority who require educational support



Ensure up to date knowledge of child protection procedures



To establish communication links with other agencies involved with the child



To respect the individuality, values, cultural and religious diversity of patients and their families, contributing to the provision of a service which is sensitive to their needs



To participate in audit, surveys, projects and research for the service as appropriate



To comment on policies and procedures which impact on the play service



Ensure compliance with Trust policies, procedures and guidelines for self and others, by taking action/alerting senior management team if practice appears to contravene policy, or if concerned about any aspect of patient care.



Take responsibility for own learning and development by recognising and taking advantage of all opportunities to learn, including full participation in KSF/appraisal, supervision, action learning and by maintaining a professional/personal portfolio of learning.



Comply with Infection Prevention and Control (IP&C) policies and procedures as appropriate to their role and responsibilities in their individual work setting. Staff are required to be personally accountable for their actions and be responsible for their own compliance in relation to IP&C polices, protocols or advice.



Always work in accordance with the values and behaviours of the trust