Inspired by her own memories spent in hospital as a child, Sasha White experienced first-hand the undeniable positive and lasting impact Healthcare Play Specialists have with children and young people. It was this long-lasting impression that encouraged her to carry out her placement as part of her Early Childhood Studies (ECS) degree with Stranmmillis College, Belfast.
Sasha described how no two days are the same on the ward and how much she “loves” interacting with the patients and their families.
“When I was little I spent quite a bit of time in hospital and had frequent interactions with the Play Specialists, so through my degree, I knew I could do a placement here to get that experience, to see if I would enjoy it and I absolutely love it!”
Sasha explained how she carries out a range of interactions through play activities with the Paediatric patients, “I look at play and how it is used within a hospital setting. I play card games, take part in pre-procedure playing, colouring, drawing with the patients. For the future I’m hoping to do further training to become a fully qualified Healthcare Play Specialist, hopefully someday soon,” said Sasha.
Healthcare Play Specialist Sharon Pauley added how Sasha was the first student placement the team have welcomed since the lifting of restrictions following the Covid-19 pandemic. “Sasha has been a great asset to our team since she started with us in October and we are delighted that she will be staying on for a second term until April next year. Sasha has integrated very quickly and also brought a lot of experience with her as well as great skill set of knowledge. Sasha has built such a great rapport with the children and parents.”
Head of Academic Area for Early Childhood Studies in Stranmillis College, Sheelagh Carville, said, “It is great to see Sasha here at the Ulster Hospital, she is obviously pursuing her interest in therapeutic play with the children and it has been fantastic to hear from her, about her work with the children and how she actually became interested in this field.”