An Oxford health professional who uses play to help children cope with painful medical treatments has been recognised in a national award scheme.
Laura Clay, a Health Play Specialist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust (OUH), has been named runner-up in the Starlight Health Play Awards 2025 for her work supporting children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA) — a chronic autoimmune condition requiring regular treatment and injections.
The awards, run by Starlight, the UK’s leading charity for children’s play in healthcare, celebrate those who use play to reduce fear, pain and trauma for young patients as part of Play in Healthcare Week (13 to 19 October 2025).
Laura, who joined the paediatric rheumatology team at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre in 2021, was nominated by colleagues for her creativity, empathy and commitment to embedding therapeutic play within clinical care.
Using storytelling, preparation materials and even virtual reality headsets, she helps children understand their treatments and feel more confident about procedures.
“There’s often a lot of anxiety around injections and blood tests,” said Laura. “Play gives children a sense of control — it helps them understand what’s happening and why, and makes the whole experience less frightening.”
Her approach has also been praised for supporting teenagers transitioning to adult care through the Ready Steady Go scheme, which helps young people build independence in managing their condition.
Eleanor Lawson, a paediatric physiotherapist, said: “Laura has been a fantastic asset to our team. Her conversations with young people help them understand their diagnosis and develop confidence in managing a long-term condition.”
Jo Pinney, Health Play Specialist Team Manager at OUH, added: “Laura has made such a positive impact with patients and families at the Nuffield Orthopaedic Centre. Her work with both teenagers and virtual reality has been incredible.”
Dr Krutika Pau, Deputy CEO of Starlight, said Laura’s “dedication and compassion embody the very best of the health play profession,” adding that her creativity and commitment “inspire colleagues and make a real difference to children and families.”
Laura said she was “astonished” to be recognised. “I get lots of appreciation from families and colleagues, but to be acknowledged nationally like this means so much. It makes it all worthwhile.”
