Focus on play – Play in healthcare

Author: Play Wales
Date: August 2025

This issue of Focus on play provides information about the importance of play in healthcare settings. It is aimed at those who support the wellbeing of children and teenagers who are patients in hospital or community settings, such as children’s hospices.

The briefing describes the importance of play for children’s health, wellbeing and happiness and outlines the international law that protects children’s right to play. It explains how play has been proven to have a positive impact on the wellbeing of children and teenagers in hospitals and healthcare settings, and their ability to cope with fear, pain, and treatment.

The briefing also describes the economic benefits of providing play in healthcare settings, by facilitating better clinical outcomes and use of medical resources. It highlights guidance from a range of sources that supports the provision of play for improving patient experiences.

Finally, the briefing provides a focus on the state of health play in Wales. It makes recommendations for healthcare policy in Wales in relation to improving play provision in hospitals and healthcare settings.

This publication is endorsed by Starlight Children’s Foundation.