Playwork

The Children's Cancer Foundation was one of the first voluntary agencies to introduce playwork in its service programmes. Playwork has an important therapeutic effect on the psychology of young cancer patients. Proper interaction with these patients through play can help them cope with the stress brought about by the illness and hospitalization, and give them an outlet to ventilate their feelings. Playwork can also help nurture their mental growth.

The Foundation has a staff of three hospital play specialists, a hospital play co-ordinator and a team of over 50 voluntary playworkers who have received professional training. These playworkers visit the wards on a regular basis to conduct play sessions.

In its effort to develop and create a more cheerful, comfortable and caring atmosphere for our patients in the hospitals, play areas and toy libraries are set up in the wards, where possible. New toys, games, video tapes and books are purchased constantly to replace and add to the existing collection.

Playwork is also conducted at the Family Service Centre where a room has been designated for this purpose.

Patients with deep-rooted emotional difficulties are sometimes given play therapy by our hospital play co-ordinator or clinical psychologist.

A toy library has been established at the resource unit of the Family Service Centre to complement playwork as well as to educate parents and the public on the suitability of toys for use by children with cancer.

A booklet and a video presentation on play service have been produced by the Foundation to help patients and their families understand the importance of play in their battle against cancer.

A mobile library service is offered to in-patients at the Lady Pao Children's Cancer Centre, Queen Elizabeth Hospital and Queen Mary Hospital. The child patients can borrow books for reading after play service hours.