MUSGROVE Park Hospital's emergency department (ED) has its first ever play specialist.

Sarah Smith previously worked on the Taunton hospital's children's unit, occasionally supporting children in ED

She said: "I've always taken great pleasure in the positive outcomes of children I've supported.

"Our children’s unit matron Louise Hill noticed my smile and satisfaction following an intervention one day – that’s how this new role came about.

"My main role is to create a positive and welcoming environment for younger patients who come into hospital in an emergency.

"When the child first arrives in ED, I look to build a rapport and relationship with them based on their age and developmental level.

"Working with colleagues in the department we track and support the child and look at what we can do to enhance their time with us.

"That could be something as simple as giving them a colouring book or providing activities on an iPad.

"It can be frightening for a child to come into hospital and a little distraction, such as putting Peppa Pig on the TV or letting them play with a familiar toy during an intervention, can really make a difference.

"If a child has additional needs, we may create a care plan that explains to them in non-medical terms what’s going to happen to them."

ED nurses will give Sarah a call if they spot a child struggling with the situation.

She added: "I feel so lucky to be one of those people who gets up in the morning really looking forward to going to work as I know I’m likely to make a real difference to a child’s care and experience at hospital.

"The pandemic has been challenging to my role, not least having to thoroughly clean every toy after it's been played with."

ED charge nurse Williams Pinto said: “Sarah is often very humble when she talks about her role, but she's a breath of fresh air, not only in her own role, but how she also helps our nurses to take observations when a child is sick and needs attention straightaway.

“Sarah's always positive and has a smile on her face. I’m sure our colleagues and patients would say the environment in our ED is always so much better when she is around."