To celebrate Play in Healthcare Week (14-18 October), Starlight, the UK’s leading charity for children’s play in hospitals and hospices, announced today that Moorfields play specialist Florence (Flossie) Donovan, is their Mentor of the Year, for her outstanding work in guiding the next generation of health play specialists.
Lauren Blackshaw, paediatric matron, explained that “Many eye conditions require ongoing monitoring, and Flossie helps children from their first childhood appointment. Making this as calm as possible sets a positive tone for all future treatment, through teenage years and into adulthood.”
Flossie's passion for her work stems from her personal experiences as a child patient at Moorfields. After losing sight in her left eye due to a tumour at age five, she realised the power of play in healthcare.
Flossie said: “As a child I was in and out of hospital, but there was no play, nothing for children. I brought some toys in with me one day, and a nurse told me ‘This is not a children’s play area.’ That stuck with me. Later, when I moved to Moorfields for my care, there was a playroom and a play leader who made my experience in hospital so much better. That made me realise how important play is, and it inspired me to give back by becoming a play specialist myself. Now, I've been at Moorfields for 24 years, and it feels like I’ve come full circle. I'm really honoured to have won this award. It's great to feel appreciated for what you're doing and to help mentor someone else walk in your footsteps.”
Gemma Peterman, the play specialist who nominated Flossie, commented: “Like Flossie, I also have a visual impairment, and her presence at Moorfields was one of the main reasons I wanted to work here. She has showed me the lasting impact a play specialist can have on patient outcomes by reducing their anxiety. She forms an immediate rapport with patients and their families, one that grows over the years; just today, she described a 27-year-old man, now an adult patient, as ‘one of my babies.’”
Nailah Gajia, now 15, who has been one of Flossie’s patients all her life, added: “My visits have been full of both good and bad news, but one thing has remained the same – the care, support and love I receive. The bond I share with Flossie is very special; each visit, she makes the time to come down to see me and puts the biggest smile on my face. She is truly special, my inspiration and my hero.”
16 October 2024