"Play specialist"

I recently brought my sons aged 4 and 2 for their cardiology checkup appointments (echo and ECG). I was extremely anxious because my eldest soon never complied with the check ups and we left in tears last time.

Arriving at the hospital we spent half an hour at the amazing play park which was very enjoyable. Then we had booked an appointment for my eldest at the Teddy hospital for him to see Jane the Play Specialist. My son was very anxious and apprehensive. Jane was very professional and you could see she knew what she was doing trying to constantly engage with him and relax him. We re-enacted the check ups and played with teddies. By the end of the session my son knew exactly what was going to happen at the appointment, was extremely relaxed and very happy he got to wear the doctors costume.

He then followed Jane around excitedly proud to receive a sticker, a certificate and a Teddy hospital pack to take to nursery for show and tell. His hospital experience continued at the atrium where the science center was doing activities and he made his own rocket, saw the planets etc. While waiting (around one hour + waiting time - this was the only negative) he got to play with the science center pods. He took his obs and did both the tests following the instructions he was given. I couldn't believe my eyes! ! He knew everything as Jane explained, watched the monitor of his heart and was so proud he knew it all! hands behind his head he lay on the bed as if it was the most natural thing to do. The ipad in the room also helped as he chose what his brother would be watching while waiting. Coming out we fell upon the clown docs. Must say he had an amazing day and asked me to send him back to hospital again! ! ! !