42 Playing with power relationships – ward to street. (22nd November 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Walsh, Laura
• Is Part Of: Archives of disease in childhood. Volume 104:Supplement 4(2019)
• Page Start: A18
• Page End: A18
• Publication Date: 2019-11-22
• Subjects: Infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Newborn infants -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Fetus -- Diseases -- Periodicals; 618.920105
• DOI: 10.1136/archdischild-2019-gosh.42
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1359-2998

Abstract

Abstract : In June 2019 the street outside GOSH was awash with colour and play, for one day the play inside transported across the boundary of the hospital into the street. Play is a human right as enshrined in the UNCRC, article 31 but what does it meant to have the right to play and how is that supported in a hierarchical institution such as a children's hospital? This presentation illustrates how an event can support the conditions in which power relations can be sufficiently equalized and the permission to play to be freely given. Working as one team is a Trust value, a collaboration between the heads of Sustainability and Play made this project possible. Involving partners, internal and external, drawing on internal wisdom, including people, bringing people along and making this a shared desire. Drawing out the fears and criticisms and going towards them. Comments such as 'the atmosphere is so relaxed', 'this has made me feel proud to work at GOSH', patient 'M' coming down to the street to play when he previously hadn't left the hospital for over a year were reported. CYP who are patients and local primary school children transcended boundaries of 'normal play' both in the immediacy of the environment and the inclusivity. Board Directors, porters, play team, relating through play performs the values of the trust and makes them visible. When we allow open ended play to happen, step back and get out of the way – sensitively witness play and intervene only when needed and give space for the play of others, the joy felt is cumulative. Play has a warming and softening quality and the presence of it is felt powerfully. Leadership in this respect is collaborative and playful.