How the UCLH play and youth team are supporting neurodivergent YP to access their healthcare and improve their experiences.

Irene O’Donnell BA (Hons) PgCert, Reg HPS, is the Trust Lead for Therapeutic Play, Recreation and Youth Services at University College London Hospitals (UCLH) NHS Trust. She has been a registered health play specialist since 2000 and a leader in using play as a tool to avoid the use of general anaesthesia for BCYP during procedures. She piloted the novel “MRI awake project” and has led on the implementation of “It Pays to Play!” and has presented and written on the many fiscal and improvement benefits of play in healthcare.

Irene held the role of Senior Adviser to the Taskforce on Play in Healthcare for NHS England and Starlight. During this role she represented the profession in advancing standards, guidance and a workforce strategy to support the development, growth and professionalism of health play services. Irene also holds the position of chair of the workforce development group for health play.