The Ward 21 Play Team at Walsall Manor Hospital has been recognised with the Health Play Team of the Year 2026 award for their exceptional care.
By Aisha Mahmood
••4 min read
AI
A hospital playroom filled with colourful toys and art supplies, highlighting the work of the award-winning play team.
The Ward 21 Play Team at Walsall Manor Hospital has received national acclaim, being named Health Play Team of the Year 2026 at the Starlight Health Play Awards.
Parents have lauded the "small but mighty" Play Team at Walsall Manor Hospital after it secured a prestigious national award. The Ward 21 Play Team was honoured as Health Play Team of the Year 2026 at the Starlight Health Play Awards, announced earlier this week.
Starlight, a leading UK charity dedicated to children's play in healthcare, organises these awards to coincide with Play in Healthcare Week (5-9 October 2026). The accolades aim to highlight how play can alleviate fear, pain, and trauma during a child's medical treatment and recovery, celebrating those who excel in this field.
The team, which includes Health Play Specialist (HPS) Emma Lester and Play Facilitator Toni Harris, who is currently training to become an HPS, was commended by colleagues for integrating play as a fundamental aspect of children's care, rather than merely a pastime. Parents have also expressed strong appreciation for the team's impact.
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"The team have helped both boys when they’ve been poorly. With Logan they helped him choose a new toy from the cupboard and spent time with him to take his mind off everything else going on and when Leo needed to be in a side room for his care they made sure they brought things to him and spent time with him."
Zoe Payne shared how the team supported her sons, Logan (four) and Leo (two), during their treatment on the ward. She described how they helped Logan choose a toy and spent time with him, and ensured Leo had activities brought to him when he required care in a side room.
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"It’s a lot to get your head round as a parent to be told your child might have a condition and Toni made sure she spent time explaining things to me, giving me a chance to ask questions. They do a great job with children but also know how to help parents as well."
Lauren Rickhuss, whose daughter Ellarae (three) may have epilepsy, highlighted the team's support for parents. She noted that Toni spent time explaining matters to her, allowing her to ask questions, acknowledging their dual role in caring for children and assisting parents.
The team's nomination came from two colleagues at Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust: Consultant Community Paediatrician Milena Sirakova and Associate Director of Patient Voice Garry Perry. They received their award on Monday 5 October and expressed being "overwhelmed" by the positive feedback.
Among the team's achievements is the introduction of a structured 'Eat, Drink, Move to Improve' programme, featuring creative and physical activities designed to encourage children to be active, socialise, and maintain daily routines while in hospital. They also supported an autistic child anxious about attending Theatre for dental treatment by using his interest in Pokémon to guide him through the process.
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"When his next appointment came round, he sailed through it."
The team also employs strategies such as using flavoured drinks to help children take medicine via syringe and employs games and children's interests as distractions during procedures like blood tests and cannulation to reduce anxiety.
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"You are really making a difference to children’s experience of healthcare. And there’s only two of you – you are small but mighty!"
Cathy Gilman, CEO of Starlight, presented the award, acknowledging the team's significant impact on children's healthcare experiences despite their small size.
The charity Well Wishers, associated with Walsall Healthcare NHS Trust, collaborates closely with the team, supporting refurbishments of the playroom, sensory room, and a new quiet area. It also aids in funding and organising events throughout the year, including Play in Healthcare Week, a Christmas extravaganza, and Easter activities, by sourcing support from local businesses and the community.
