‘A really scary place for children’: English hospitals have chronic lack of health play staff

The Guardian Health Thursday 17 September 2026, 10:45 UTC By Tobi Thomas Health and inequalities correspondent 1 min read

Key Points

Analysis finds only 955 play professionals supporting 21 million child hospital admissions, leaving many traumatised for lifeChildren in English hospital with serious illnesses are being exposed to avoidable trauma because too few health play professionals are being employed, analysis by a leading charity has found. Employed by hospitals across England, these workers help to support children through the trauma and anxiety that can come with receiving medical treatment by providing play...

Analysis finds only 955 play professionals supporting 21 million child hospital admissions, leaving many traumatised for life

Children in English hospital with serious illnesses are being exposed to avoidable trauma because too few health play professionals are being employed, analysis by a leading charity has found.

Employed by hospitals across England, these workers help to support children through the trauma and anxiety that can come with receiving medical treatment by providing play opportunities through games, toys and activities.

English (ORG) Analysis (ORG) England (LOCATION)

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