The Hospital Play Specialist supports children and young people receiving care in hospital by providing therapeutic, developmental and recreational play activities. The role typically requires a relevant play, childcare, education or healthcare qualification, experience working with children, safeguarding awareness and effective communication skills. The successful candidate is expected to assess individual needs, plan and deliver age-appropriate activities, help reduce anxiety before procedures, support families and work closely with nurses, doctors and other professionals. Candidates should be compassionate, patient, creative and able to remain calm in a clinical environment. Knowledge of infection prevention, confidentiality and child protection is important. NHS experience and registration with a relevant professional body may be desirable, depending on the post.
University Hospital Southampton NHS Foundation Trust is a major teaching and research NHS trust serving Southampton, Hampshire and surrounding communities. Its principal site, University Hospital Southampton, provides a broad range of specialist and general hospital services, including paediatrics, maternity, emergency care, surgery, cancer services and critical care. The trust is linked with the University of Southampton and supports education, clinical research and professional development across many healthcare disciplines. It employs a large multidisciplinary workforce and is known for delivering complex specialist services to patients from across the south of England and beyond. As an NHS organisation, it offers structured pay scales, pension arrangements, annual leave and access to training and development opportunities. Staff work in a diverse, patient-focused environment where teamwork, safeguarding, inclusion and high standards of care are central to everyday practice.
The United Kingdom offers opportunities across healthcare, technology, engineering, education, finance and hospitality, with strong demand for qualified NHS and social-care professionals. Its culture is diverse and generally values punctuality, personal privacy, equality and clear communication. Lifestyle varies from busy cities such as London, Manchester and Edinburgh to quieter coastal and rural areas; public transport is widely available, though housing costs can be high in major cities. For overseas applicants, visa requirements depend on nationality and role. Eligible healthcare positions may qualify for the Health and Care Worker visa, normally requiring an approved employer, certificate of sponsorship, suitable salary and English-language evidence. Other routes include Skilled Worker, family and study visas. Applicants should check current rules on GOV.UK, confirm professional registration requirements and budget for deposits, transport, utilities and NHS-related immigration charges where applicable.
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