Children’s Health Foundation recently highlighted the evidence-backed role of play in supporting children through illness and hospitalisation.
Laughter, creativity and imagination took centre stage at Children’s Health Ireland last Thursday (11th) as children, families and staff came together to celebrate International Day of Play and recognise the powerful role it plays in children’s healthcare.
The event, supported by Children’s Health Foundation, showcased how play helps sick children cope with the challenges of their illness, treatment and hospitalisation, while bringing moments of joy and normality to those receiving care.
While often associated with fun, play is increasingly recognised as an important part of healthcare for children.
Research shows that play can reduce anxiety, support emotional wellbeing, improve communication, help children understand medical procedures and even contribute to better health outcomes for children in hospital.
For children facing long hospital stays or complex treatments, opportunities to play can provide a sense of control, comfort and childhood during some of the most difficult periods of their lives.
Throughout the day, children participated in a range of activities designed to celebrate play and its importance in childhood.
The event also provided an opportunity to showcase the work health play specialists and play assistants, who support children and families throughout their hospital journeys.
Children’s Health Foundation has invested significantly in play services across Children’s hospitals, funding specialist play programmes, sensory resources, equipment and child-friendly spaces that help transform the hospital experience for thousands of children every year.
Emma Fratangelo, Professional Lead – Healthcare Play Services at CHI said – “Play is the foundation of a child’s physical, cognitive, social and emotional development.
“Through play, children can make sense of their world, explore new experiences, and master new skills.
“In a hospital setting, play is particularly important as it helps children and young people cope with illness, hospitalisation, and medical procedures while supporting their overall wellbeing and development.
“Children’s Health Foundation Supporters are vital to the work we do. Fundraising supports play services across all four CHI sites from playrooms to equipment, adolescent nights to events like International Day of Play and we’re so grateful for their support.”
Health play specialists and play assistants work alongside clinical teams to help children prepare for procedures, understand their treatment and express their feelings in a safe and age-appropriate way. Through therapeutic and developmental play, they help reduce fear and build confidence in children receiving care.
International studies have consistently found that play-based interventions in healthcare settings can:
- Reduce anxiety and stress associated with hospitalisation
- Help children better understand medical procedures and treatment
- Improve coping skills and emotional resilience
- Reduce perceived pain during procedures
- Support healthy development and wellbeing
- Create more positive healthcare experiences for children and families
The United Nations officially recognised 11 June as International Day of Play to highlight every child’s right to play and the critical role it plays in health, development and wellbeing.
These celebrations served as a reminder that play is not simply a distraction from treatment—it is an important part of helping children navigate illness and maintain a sense of childhood while in hospital.
Children’s Health Foundation continues to fund programmes and services that ensure sick children have access to the play, support and therapeutic resources they need throughout their healthcare journey.
For more information about Children’s Health Foundation and its work supporting sick children and their families, visit www.childrenshealth.ie.