Play specialist | Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust
| Company: | Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust |
|---|---|
| Salary: | £32,073 - £39,043 Pro rata |
| Hours: | Part-time |
| Location: | Truro, TR1 3LJ |
| Job type: | Permanent |
| Posting date: | 11 Sept 2026 |
| Closing date: | 11 Oct 2026 |
Summary
create a welcoming, safe and caring environment that encourages children to take part in play activities
• act as an advocate for children and young people in their interactions with the healthcare team
• use play to help children and young people settle into life in hospital, to help them prepare for medical procedures and to help calm and distract them during these procedures, facilitating their consent and compliance
• use play to help children reach developmental targets, learn new skills and relearn skills they may have lost during their illness
• facilitate social interaction to help patients and their families to make friends and find support from others in the wards
• observe children playing either in a dedicated playroom, in the ward or at their bedside
• share your assessments and observations with other members of the health team, including speech and language therapists, doctors, nurses and physiotherapists, to support their long-term care plan
• liaise with health play specialists in the community and in hospices to ensure continuity of play interventions
• support families under stress and advise them on how they can use play with their children to help them cope with their diagnosis and treatment
• promote the importance of play and awareness of children's emotional needs during their illness
• ensure all toys and other play facilities are cleaned, maintained and stored safely.
act as an advocate for children and young people in their interactions with the healthcare team
plan and implement a range of age-appropriate play, drama, art and craft activities for children and young people, both individually and in groups
use play to help children and young people settle into life in hospital, to help them prepare for medical procedures and to help calm and distract them during these procedures, facilitating their consent and compliance
Royal Cornwall Hospitals NHS Trust (RCHT) is at the heart of acute and specialist care for Cornwall and the Isles of Scilly. We care for a population of around 470,000 people, a number that increases during visitor seasons. We employ around 6,700 staff, united by a shared commitment to deliver safe, high‑quality care. We provide services across three main hospital sites, with around 780 inpatient beds:
• Royal Cornwall Hospital in Truro
• St Michael’s Hospital in Hayle
• West Cornwall Hospital in Penzance
As a teaching hospital, we’re proud to work in partnership with the University of Exeter Medical School, the University of Plymouth School of Nursing and Midwifery, and Peninsula Dental School, supporting the next generation of health professionals. We’re committed to staying at the forefront of medical advance; investing in our people, developing our facilities, and expanding the specialist care we can offer locally so more patients can receive the care they need closer to home. We have a growing reputation for research and innovation that helps shape better care for the future.The Knowledge Spa, located on our Truro site, is a vibrant hub for medical, nursing and professional education across clinical and non‑clinical roles. It plays a vital role in attracting, developing and retaining highly skilled teams.
We are driven by one clear ambition, Outstanding Care for One and All, care that’s safe, kind and high-quality. We are RCHT.
PLEASE NOTE: To view the full Job Description and Person Specification, please click the supporting document on the right-hand side.
To be an employee of the NHS you need to successfully complete the following:
• Identity Checks
• Professional registration and qualification checks
• Employment history and reference checks
• Occupational Health clearance
• Satisfactory Disclosure and Barring Service check
• Right to work in the UK
For further information please visit:
https://www.nhsemployers.org/topics-networks/employment-standards-and-regulation
We reserve the right to close this advert early.
We may be able to offer flexible working. Please discuss at interview.
We may be able to offer sponsorship but this is not guaranteed.
This advert closes on Friday 25 Sep 2026
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