Statement 5
Play facilities in and adjacent to children’s wards, should be equipped with a variety
of safe play materials, toys and equipment adaptable to the range of ages and of
children usually admitted to that ward.
That toys be chosen with regard to their safety, durability and versatility. All toys should
achieve Australian Safety Standards requirements.
That all toys should be able to be cleaned as recommended in the play
department/hospital infection control policy. Soft toys are not appropriate for
hospitalised children, as they cannot be adequately cleaned after use. Bath toys are also
not appropriate, as they cannot be adequately drained after use, making them a
possible infection control hazard.
That a range of different types of play be encouraged, such as exploration,
investigation, manipulation, and problem solving, through the ready availability of
appropriate play.