Hospital therapeutic play specialist Wendy Stocki describes a busy week in her life working at Royal Manchester Children's Hospital
Monday
I'm part of the Department of Therapeutic Play based at the hospital's endocrinology day unit. Children needing hormone investigation attend the unit to undergo blood tests and scans, which can be daunting. I explain procedures and calm children in preparation for the investigations.
One of today's cases is a frightened teenager. Part of his fear is the number of people he thinks will be in the treatment room and the needle. Some visual explanation is needed so I get out the 'blood dog' (a soft-bodied dog with a cannula which contains food colouring). We attach a tube to the dog and use a syringe to draw back the food colouring. This activity allows him to become familiar with the medical equipment that will be used. The session goes well and I offer more preparation for future visits.
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