United Kingdom: Children Health and Well Being Centre, Leeds Children’s Hospital, is delighted to share that L51 Ward Manager Debbie Smith has been named Starlight Children’s Foundation in the recently organised ‘Protector of Play’ 2023.
Leeds Children’s Hospital is a United Kingdom-based Child healthcare and well-being centre. The Hospital aims to promote health and provide various treatments to children from birth to adulthood and beyond.
The Leeds Children’s Hospital recently organised the ‘Protector of Play’ 2023 award. As per the sources, this special non-Health Play Specialist award spotlights the hospital staff working alongside Play Specialists to provide play and distraction to children.
Debbie (right) was nominated by Senior Registered Health Play Specialist Emma (left), who joined Emma at the presentation of her award.
In her nomination for Debbie, Emma made certain revelations about her. She said, “I have known Debbie for over 20 years and have worked with her as a nurse, a sister and now a ward manager.”
“She has always been such a huge advocate of play, play specialists/leaders and the development of the play team within cardiology for the whole time I have known her.”
As per Emma’s statements, Debbie has always put the needs of the patients at the forefront of her nursing career and has always been a keen protector of play and the child’s right to play.
Debbie will always advocate for the patients with all staff and families and ensure that play is offered and that play staff are involved in supporting, preparing, distracting and providing play opportunities.’
On receiving her award, Debbie said:
‘I am SO proud to receive this award! Play in Hospital is so important. It’s not just a out having fun its about distraction, support, well-being and enabling other elements of treatment. I’m so happy to champion play and our wonderful Play Team.
Thank you, Starlight, for this brilliant award, which I am delighted to receive on behalf of the whole team on Ward L51, who all embrace a culture of play, I’m so proud of every one of them.’
Debbie received her award in a virtual ceremony led by Starlight Chief Executive Cathy Gilman, who thanked Debbie for her commitment to play in the Hospital and the impact she has had on children and young people throughout her career.
The Leeds Children’s Hospital extended their pride and congratulated Debbie. “We could not be more proud of you and all your team,” they asserted.
