New role brings extra comfort to sick kids

Sick children visiting Caboolture Hospital will receive extra support and comfort with the recent appointment of a new child life therapist.

Lucy Anderson provides emotional support to children during their hospital stay, to help them feel more comfortable during medical procedures and tests.

Lucy, whose position is funded by The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, through their community and fundraising initiative, The Common Good, uses medical play to show children what’s going to happen and positive distraction techniques while they are undergoing procedures such as a cannula or blood test.

Lucy said the hospital can be an overwhelming place for children, especially when they’re feeling unwell.

“Coming to a busy and unfamiliar environment can be an anxious time for children and their families, especially when kids are feeling so unwell,” Lucy said.

“My goal is to make the experience a little easier and more comfortable.”

Lucy’s passion for the role comes from her previous work as a Paediatric Occupational Therapist where she worked with neurodiverse children.

An important part of Lucy’s role is ensuring that parents and carers are given coping strategies and techniques to help manage during times where emotions are heightened.

“Parents’ emotions are often overlooked—it’s important to support them too,” Lucy said.

Chief Executive Officer of The Prince Charles Hospital Foundation, Steve Francia said, the appointment reflects the generosity of the local community.

“We were proud to fund the very first Child Life Therapist at The Prince Charles Hospital in 2022, and we’re equally proud to now extend support of that role into Caboolture Hospital,” Mr Francia said.

Lucy will divide her time between the Paediatric Ward and Paediatric Emergency Department at Caboolture Hospital, offering support and comfort to those children who need it most.