Statement 3
Hospitals that accept children should provide an adequate budget for the wages and
salaries of an appropriate number of play specialists and the purchase and
maintenance of play equipment, materials and toys.
That funding be available to establish play programmes organised and run by a play
specialist who has relevant qualifications and experience.
That an appropriate number of play specialists be employed and that the number be
determined according to a ratio of one play specialist for up to 25 children. Appropriate
assistance should be provided to ensure that adequate individualised attention is
accorded to the needs of all children. The minimum number of children to justify the
employment of a play specialist being 10 on average daily bed occupancy statistics.
That the wages, salaries and conditions of play specialists be determined in accordance
with an appropriate industrial award or enterprise agreement.
That the Head of the Play Department or the most senior staff member administers the
play component of the hospital budget.
That adequate funding is available for the provision of consumable items for play and
for the replacement and/or maintenance of broken toys and equipment.
That where appropriate and available, hospitals should make use of toy libraries,
including toy libraries for children with disabilities, where a large range of specialised
equipment and toys are available.