Therapeutic Play and Children’s Healthcare Debate

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Department: Department of Health and Social Care

Jim Shannon

Main Page: Jim Shannon (Democratic Unionist Party - Strangford)

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BBC Charter Renewal

Therapeutic Play and Children’s Healthcare

Jim Shannon Excerpts

Future of Thames Water
Tuesday 6th January 2026

(3 days, 12 hours ago)

Westminster Hall
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Calvin Bailey Portrait Mr Bailey
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I agree with my hon. Friend, who is a leader in this area through his chairship of the APPG on play. We are all grateful for that, and for the significant impact he has made for his local hospital and for play more broadly.

Jim Shannon Portrait Jim Shannon (Strangford) (DUP)
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The Ulster hospital, which is near my constituency of Strangford in Northern Ireland, makes sure that there is no medical equipment in some of the rooms. That allows children to relax, play, read and draw, and helps to reduce the anxiety associated with hospital stays and treatment. The hospital also has a communal area for children and young people. Does the hon. Member agree that it should not be down to charitable donations to provide that; it should be down to the health trusts?

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