Hospital Play Specialist Team

Sharon Payne

My name is Sharon Payne, I am a Play Assistant at The Noah’s Ark Children’s Hospital for Wales Starfish Children’s Outpatients.
This means…

I look after children who have problems with a phobia of needles to scans of the heart etc.

I have worked at Noah’s Ark 2nd Phase. . .
just over a year, but in the Hospital for 13 years.

You might meet me at the hospital because. . . 
Your GP may need a blood sample, or Consultant/Nurse needs to do further investigations on why you’re feeling poorly. Or it may even be that you’re seeing somebody for the first time because you’re having a procedure done.

I will help you by. . .
organising daily play in the play area or at the bedside if working on the wards. I provide play to achieve developmental goals, contribute to clinical judgements through their play – based observations. I also use play to prepare a child for clinical procedure such as having bloods taken, sweat test, allergy tests, MRIs and other scans. I work closely with the Diabetes Team. I will accompany the child to the treatment room and distract while the procedure is being undertaken. I also prepare a child for different procedures and follow them through. I will support families and siblings during their visits to clinics.

I love my job because. . .
the look on a child’s face when they come in for bloods/procedure and the look of relief when they leave is priceless. I know the work and time I have spent with that child has been worth it.

Interesting fact about me. . .
I helped to raise £3000 for Noah’s Ark last September by doing a Skydive!

Kelly Enticott

My name is Kelly I am a play assistant on Island Ward and Rocket Out patients.

This means…

I work alongside the play specialist providing preparation for procedures, distraction during procedures and help with recovery all through play. We also help with fears and anxiety, such as needle fears or not taking medications. I also help to continue normal child development while children are in hospital, especially long term patients. We try to make the hospital experience one they feel they can cope with emotionally and physically.

I have worked for Noahs Ark for. . . 
6 years, before this I was a Nursery Nurse.

You may meet me at the hospital if. . . 
you need to visit a clinic, for bloods, if you need any help with taking medicine (reward charts etc) or if you have to stay in hospital for any reason.

I will help you by. . .
showing you or explaining what is happening or what to expect from procedures. I do this using medical equipment, pictures, videos, stories, role play, distraction play and much more. I will also help by trying to bring you some enjoyment and make you smile even though you don’t feel very well.

I love my job because. . . 
of the variety and diversity of the patients’ needs. Everyone and every day is different. I feel I help children process what is happening to them, giving them a voice or outlet from what is going on aiding their general wellbeing. Hopefully making things a little easier for them. It’s very sad at times but very rewarding also.

Interesting fact about me. . .
Since starting at the hospital I have begun to learn Makaton (sign language). I will use this to communicate with patients, and I will use it to teach patients.

Sian Hulbert

My name is Sian and I’m a hospital play specialist on Gwdihw Ward.
This means I look after children who have surgical problems and those going for MRI/CT or X-rays.

I have worked at Noah’s Ark since. . . 
Feb 2015 but prior to this I have worked on the paediatric units for 30 years.

You might meet me because. . .
You are having surgery or any procedures on the surgical ward.
I will help you through support, explanation and distraction.

I love my job because. . .
I meet lots of fantastic people.

Interesting fact about me. . .
I’ve done yoga for 15 years and can do the lotus position!