Hospital play specialist praised for supporting autistic boy

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 20 Oct, 13:32 · Archive

A hospital play specialist has been praised for helping an autistic teenager feel prepared and calm before dental surgery.

A mother has praised play specialist coordinator Claire Green at Kettering General Hospital for ensuring her autistic son felt prepared and supported before dental surgery. Green worked with Dylan, 14, and his family to create a personalised visual guide explaining each stage of the procedure. She showed him medical equipment in a controlled way beforehand and shared a hospital passport prepared for Dylan with the wider team.

Rosie said before the treatment, Green had "listened to us" and "explained each stage in a way he could manage". She added that being able to see the equipment and know what to expect "made a huge difference". Dylan felt "calmer and more in control", and the family felt "listened to and supported as a family". Dylan said it had been helpful to "see everything and have everything explained".

Green said understanding Dylan's unique needs and making sure his voice was heard meant the team could make his stay as comfortable as possible. After being nominated by Dylan's family, she won a Star Award, given to staff at the University Hospitals of Northamptonshire showing exceptional dedication. Dylan has since fully recovered from the surgery.

How it is being reported

• Kettering family of autistic child praises ‘absolute angel’ for her patient-centred careA family has praised a hospital play specialist for the way her thoughtful preparation and compassionate support helped their autistic son undergo surgery at Kettering General Hospital.Northants Telegraph · 20 Oct, 13:04
• 'Absolute angel' helped autistic boy face surgeryRosie says a hospital's play specialist coordinator went "above and beyond" to ease her son's fears.BBC Northamptonshire · 20 Oct, 06:42

In this story: Dylan · Claire Green · Rosie · Kettering General Hospital · University Hospitals of Northamptonshire · Kettering

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