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Award winner gives children in hospital ‘best possible experience’

Award winner gives children in hospital ‘best possible experience’

An inspiring healthcare professional has been recognised with a national award for passing on her 20 years of knowledge in helping children at Southend Hospital cope with their illnesses.

Clair Gentry, Healthcare Play Specialist, was awarded the runner-up prize for Mentor of the Year at the annual Health Play Awards by Starlight, the UK’s leading charity for children’s play in hospitals and hospices. 

Over the last two decades Clair has supported children through a range of medical procedures alongside her role as oncology lead at the hospital, using play as a therapeutic tool. 

She’s been passing on these essential skills by mentoring an apprentice, sharing and showing how activities at the bedside, on the ward or in a hospital play area can help children cope with and understand their illnesses.

Clair said: “Winning the runner up award for Mentor of the Year is amazing, it’s a great way of promoting the importance of the role of health play specialists and our play team. 

“I was fortunate to have had a fantastic mentor who advocated for the role’s importance, and I’m proud to continue that legacy with the next generation. It’s really important to highlight the benefit of mentorship in helping reduce fear, pain, and trauma for young patients in our care.” 

Chief Executive of Starlight, Cathy Gilman, said of Clair: “Her unwavering commitment to both her patients and her colleagues ensures that children in her care receive the best possible experience in what can be a challenging environment.”

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