Related Experiment Videos
The children's waiting room at Charing Cross Hospital
Insights
This study details the establishment and operation of a children's waiting room at Charing Cross Hospital, providing therapeutic play services to hundreds of families annually. The facility, run by trained Play Therapists, supports both short-term and long-term patient families.
Area of Science:
- Pediatrics
- Child Psychology
- Healthcare Management
Background:
- The establishment of dedicated pediatric facilities is crucial for improving patient experience.
- Waiting periods in hospitals can be stressful for children and families.
- The role of play therapy in mitigating anxiety and improving coping mechanisms in pediatric settings is increasingly recognized.
Purpose of the Study:
- To describe the operational model of a children's waiting room.
- To highlight the role of Play Therapists in a hospital setting.
- To illustrate the long-term engagement with families utilizing pediatric services.
Main Methods:
- The children's waiting room was established in 1973 within the Department of Paediatrics.
- Services are provided by hospital-employed Play Therapists with Nursery Nurse training.
- The facility serves hundreds of families annually, accommodating varying lengths of engagement.
Main Results:
- The waiting room has been operational for decades, demonstrating sustained service provision.
- A diverse range of families utilize the service, indicating a broad need.
- The model supports both episodic and chronic pediatric healthcare needs.
Conclusions:
- Children's waiting rooms staffed by trained professionals offer valuable support.
- Play therapy services can be integrated effectively within hospital departments.
- Sustained operation highlights the importance of such facilities in pediatric care.
Abstract:
The children's waiting room at Charing Cross Hospital was opened on April 2 1973 as part of the Department of Paediatrics. It is run by the authors who have had a Nursery Nurse training and are employed by the hospital as Play Therapists. It is attended by hundreds of different families a year. Some come to the hospital just once or twice, but others have been coming for many years.