Meet Jenika, play specialist

15 September 2015

Jenika Bhudia is a play specialist at the Royal Free London. Here she answers our questions about her work in the NHS.

What does a play specialist do?

Play specialists promote play within the children’s services at the trust, helping to maintain the emotional wellbeing of children who are patients here and their families. I prepare and support children for surgical and medical procedures, through play and distraction in the anesthetic room, recovery, pre-admission and other specialist clinics. I also contribute to the development and maintenance of an age appropriate environment where play and recreation occurs across the hospital.

What training/qualifications have you done to get to where you are now?

I have a level 3 NCF diploma in childcare and education, an FdA degree in healthcare play specialism and five years’ experience working with children and young people in hospital and community settings.

Why do you do what you do?

I enjoy working with children and young people because they all are different. I learn from them as much as they learn from me.

What is the best thing about your role?

The continuity of care that we provide to the children and young people, as it helps them to master and cope with anxieties and feelings.

Why do you like working at the Royal Free London?

The Royal Free London has established a great play specialist team, it covers all areas of children’s services and there are further opportunities to learn and develop academically from other health professionals.

What would you say to someone considering a career in the NHS?

The NHS is a good foundation to start a career, it supports you in building your interpersonal skills and learning the job role through team members.

What did you want to be when you were little?

I’ve always thought of a career within the children’s services, however I wasn’t sure of what profession I wanted to go into.

Any other interesting/fun facts about you career you would like to share?

We work along with different children’s charities to organise events for terminally ill children, this supports families to share and make loving memories of the time they have spent together.