Play Assistant

The post holder will work alongside qualified Health Play Specialist to provide age and stage appropriate play opportunities and give support to the hospitalised Children, Young People (CYP) and their families.

Throughout this job description we refer to Children, Young People age
0-18 years as CYP, this covers CYP with wide range of developmental abilities and sometimes complexities.

Main

**Responsibilities**:
Develop and participate in planning of play programmes to incorporate normality and routine.

Observe and evaluate the play programmes to meet the needs of CYP and family.

Provide support for CYP and family.

Create a safe and welcoming environment for all CYP to experience play whilst in hospital.

Support effective patients flow by identifying and accompanying appropriate CYP to theatre to reduce delay. This CYP must have been prepared and ready by the nursing staff.

About RNOH

**Specialist Hospital**: The Royal National Orthopaedic Hospital (RNOH) is not just any hospital; it's the largest specialist orthopaedic hospital in the UK and a globally recognized leader in orthopaedics and neuro-musculoskeletal medicine.

**Exiting place to work**: We serve over 150,000 patients annually, offering care for a wide range of conditions, from acute spinal injuries to chronic pain and sarcoma.

**Excellent Place to work**: Excellent NHS staff survey result. Above the national average for all themes. Best score amongst acute specialist trusts for flexible working.

**Innovation and continuous improvement**: At RNOH, we're not just a hospital; we're a hub of innovation, renowned for our ground-breaking research.

Main

**Responsibilities**:
Clinical / Therapeutic

Develop and participate in planning of play programmes to incorporate normality and routine.

Observe and evaluate the play programmes to meet the needs of CYP and family.

Provide support for CYP and family.

Create a safe and welcoming environment for all CYP to experience play whilst in hospital.

Support effective patients flow by identifying and accompanying appropriate CYP to theatre to reduce delay. This CYP must have been prepared and ready by the nursing staff.

Communication and Documentation

Participate as a member of the multi-disciplinary team within the Hospital.

Be an advocate for CYP and family.

Provide and document play based observations and actions to influence and support the overall assessment of CYP.

Ensure that up to date written records and activity data are maintained in accordance with Professional and Trust standards.

Participate in patient feedback and work with ward management team to obtain real time CYP and families’ views. Support ward management with CYP and families experience projects such as Parent Group meet.

Professional Ethics And Clinical Governance

Respect the individual, values, cultural and religious diversity of patients and their families, and contribute to the provision of services sensitive to these needs.

To be aware and respect the Rights of the child as laid down by Children Act 2004 and UNICEF

Only undertake activities and procedures where relevant training and competency have been obtained and the post holder has been deemed safe to undertake.

Personal and Professional Development

Gain experience within the play team and further your knowledge of the care of hospitalised CYP.

Review and reflect on your own practice through effective use of supervision and appraisal.

Develop and keep an up to date portfolio.

Attend courses and update training to reflect current trends.

Staff and students

Within the play team support and work alongside new staff and students.

Responsibilities and Resources

Monitor play resources and inform senior member of the team when equipment needed.

To be responsible for maintaining play equipment in accordance with Trust, Health and Safety standards.