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Lisa is the hospital Play Specialist and works within Neonatal Services to ensure appropriate development through play for all term or near-term infants. Lisa has worked on SCBU as a nursery nurse for 6 years, and recognised that often due to time pressures of working on a busy unit, infants were missing out on appropriate interaction and stimulation. By missing out on this important stimulation, infants are at risk of developmental delays, as well as the whole family missing out on the important bonding process which is often under strain when a baby is separated from the family due to admission to SCBU or NICU.

 

Play therapy is divided into three main sections:

 

Babies

Play and appropriate stimulation helps babies to explore their bodies and their environment. It promotes recovery following illness and reduces the negative effects that a hospital stay has on each baby. It also helps infants to learn, grow and develop when in an environment away from home.

 

 

 

Siblings

Having a baby in SCBU or NICU can have detrimental effects on siblings that are often left with grandparents or friends while mummy and daddy are at the hospital. This can cause negative feelings towards their new brother or sister as they feel that the new baby is more important. Uncharacteristic behaviours may well be recognised in siblings of babies on the neonatal unit. The use of play therapy helps siblings express their feelings, concerns and emotions and encourages positive behaviour and coping strategies in the hospital environment.

 

 

Play is used to familiarise siblings with hospital equipment and some of the procedures that their new brother or sister may be going through, thus creating a happier and more positive brother or sister that feels protective of, instead of jealous of, his/her new baby.

 

> What about brothers and sisters?

 

 

 

Parents

The use of play therapy encourages parental development and attachment through play, and helps to relieve the negativity of being in the hospital environment. Parents are advised on which play activities are suitable for their new baby, depending on his/her condition, and encouraged to read their baby’s cues regarding body movement and expressions to recognise enjoyment, tiredness, hunger or boredom.

 

Lisa is available within the Neonatal Services two days a week, see her poster within the unit for convenient times for you if you feel that the input of a play specialist will enhance your stay on the unit. Alternatively a message can be left for Lisa and she will contact you when she can.

 

 

 

 

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