Former doctor, comedian and one of the UK’s bestselling children’s authors, Adam Kay, hosts play sessions for children in hospitals across National Play in Healthcare Week as part of the tour for his new book and instant number one bestseller Dexter Procter, The 10-Year-Old Doctor.
Along with illustrator and fellow comedian Henry Paker, Adam Kay visited Oxford Children’s Hospital, located at the John Radcliffe Hospital and part of Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH) on Wednesday, 16 October, to entertain children with readings, play and drawing workshops.
Their visit marked Play in Healthcare Week that commenced on Monday, 14 October, highlighting the importance of play for children in hospital and celebrating the vital work of health play practitioners across the NHS.
Adam said: “It was wonderful to witness first-hand the positive impact of play in a hospital setting, and to meet the inspiring kids at Oxford Children’s Hospital. Reading out from my new book was definitely the easiest shift I’ve ever done on a ward… ”
Cathy Gilman, chief executive of Starlight said: “We are thrilled to be working with Adam, Henry and the team at Puffin Books to help bring about our mission to ensure every child has the opportunity, space and time to experience play. It’s a cliché to say that laughter is the best medicine, but after seeing Adam and Henry with the kids, I can’t help but think that it’s true.”
Jo Pinney, Health Play Specialist Team Manager at OUH, said: ““We were really excited to host Starlight, Adam Kay, and Henry Paker. Play In Healthcare Week is always a special week for us as a Play Team, so this event made it extra exciting this year.
“It is lovely to give our patients the opportunity to engage with something different, and the smiles on their faces show how much they enjoyed it. Thank you for the lovely books and play kits.”
Alongside the play sessions, Adam, Henry and Puffin are supporting the work of Starlight by donating mini libraries to these hospitals. The libraries will complement the toys, books and games that Starlight provides children.
Aimed at readers aged seven and up, Adam’s new book, Dexter Procter The 10-Year-Old Doctor is a comedy medical mystery series which demystifies medicine and hospitals for young readers.
To read Starlight’s annual report marking Play in Healthcare Week, please click here.
To find out how you can support Starlight in ensuring every child’s right to play is protected and provided for visit https://support.starlight.org.uk/donate.
