Play Service
"Play can be a therapy, a medicine and a natural healer that promotes humour, happiness and wholeness... an absence of fun, little or no playtime and a lack of laughter are common symptoms of stress, sickness and disease."
—Robert Holden (Stress Expert)
The team of professionally trained Hospital Play Specialists offer a range of expertise to help children and their families cope with illness and hospital treatment. Play is a familiar language used by children as they explore, learn and understand about their world and the people in it. That language can be lost in times of illness, injury or trauma—but rarely is it needed more. Play is recognised by the Department of Health as essential support for children coping with illness and hospital life.
Information for families
- How the Hospital Play Service can help your child
- Common concerns children have about hospital and illness
- Helping your child prepare for medical treatment or a visit to hospital
If you can't find what you are looking for on this website, please contact Rachel Fitzpatrick (Hospital Play Team Manager)—details in the left panel.
Donation of goods
If you are considering donating toys or other goods, please read this information.
