Exeter healthcare leaders celebrate national award for improving children’s hospital experiences

A South West healthcare team that supports children’s services across Exeter and the wider region has received national recognition for championing the importance of play in hospitals.

Project Manager Tania Sparks, from the Surgery in Children South West Operational Delivery Network (ODN), which works closely with Royal Devon University Healthcare NHS Foundation Trust, has been named Joint Protector of Play in the 2025 Starlight Health Play Awards.

The ODN supports nine NHS trusts across Devon, Cornwall, Somerset, Bristol, Swindon and Gloucestershire, helping to improve children’s surgical care and ensure consistent, high-quality support for young patients. 

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What began as research into reducing the number of children needing general anaesthetic for MRI scans has grown into a movement promoting therapeutic play as a vital part of healthcare. The team found that with preparation from trained play specialists, even very young children could complete MRI scans while awake, avoiding unnecessary anaesthesia and reducing stress for families. 

Their work has since led to regional guidance and a new network for health play professionals to share knowledge and influence hospital practice, including in Exeter.

Catherine Carpenter-Clawson, Manager of Royal Devon University Healthcare in Exeter and part of the ODN leadership team, said: “The South West Surgery in Children Network team are absolutely delighted that Tania and the wider team have been acknowledged for our role in supporting health play staff in hospitals across the South West.” 

“The health play staff working in hospitals across Devon do a fantastic and extremely important role in supporting children who are receiving healthcare in our hospitals. Play staff are an important part of the NHS workforce and they support children to cope with often stressful and challenging situations as well as giving them access to improved play opportunities throughout their care.” 

“We are delighted to be able to work with the NHS teams in Exeter and the wider region to help promote and improve children’s access to play in healthcare environments.”

“Tania and the team are extremely pleased to receive an award for our efforts in this area and hope that we can continue to promote the importance of play and our fabulous NHS play workforce.”

Tania said the recognition felt surreal, as much of her role is carried out behind the scenes rather than in hospitals. She said the team’s motivation has always been to make care safer, more efficient and more supportive for children and their families. “Play isn’t just entertainment, it helps children feel safe and in control during treatment,” she said.

Both awards highlight the critical but often unseen role of play in children’s healthcare. In hospitals across Devon and Exeter, play specialists help children prepare for surgery, scans and blood tests, make informed choices and find comfort in unfamiliar surroundings. 

Their work reduces fear and trauma, supports families and improves children’s experiences during some of the most challenging times in their lives.

Starlight, the UK charity that promotes the use of play in healthcare, said Tania’s team is influencing practice locally and nationally, while Debbie is helping to ensure the next generation of play specialists is equipped to continue this work. 

Their achievements shine a light on the importance of compassionate care for children and the dedication of NHS staff across the South West.