Children's hospitals in the UK often have large play departments, employing up to 40 HPSs. Play specialists may work at children's bedsides, in ward playrooms, outpatients' clinics, A&E Departments, Intensive Care Units, Adolescent Units and in Community Paediatric Teams. Some general hospitals employ small teams of play staff.
The Hospital Play Staff Education Trust (HPSET) holds the register of qualified HPSs. The organisation is dedicated to the advancement and improvement of the profession, sets the qualifying standards, and monitors continuing professional development.
HPSET sets out the role of the HPS as follows:
The National Association of Hospital Play Specialists (NAHPS) provides professional support and information for practitioners. It works to improve the quality of play services for children in hospital and holds conferences, study days and other member events.
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