A Health Play Specialist at The QEH has won a national award after being nominated by the apprentice she has supported and encouraged throughout her training.
Nicola Wright has been named Mentor of the Year 2026 in the Starlight Health Play Awards, which recognise health professionals helping to transform children’s experiences of healthcare through play.
Nicola was presented with her award and prizes at The QEH on Tuesday 29 September by Cathy Gilman, Chief Executive of Starlight, and Jo Segasby, Deputy Chief Executive & Group Delivery Officer for the Norfolk & Waveney University Hospitals Group. Representatives from the charity, award sponsors including Ryman, Titan Wealth and Aspire Inside, and senior leaders from The QEH were also in attendance.
The award recognises Nicola’s commitment to mentoring Claire Burrell, a Health Play Assistant apprentice who is nearing the end of her training after spending the past two years learning from Nicola.
Claire nominated Nicola for the award, describing her as a “role model” and “trusted colleague” who had helped her develop the confidence, resilience and self-belief to progress in her career.
She said: “When I started my apprenticeship, I was very apprehensive and lacked confidence and belief in myself. Nicola has empowered my professional and personal growth, and I now have self-belief, resilience and a growth mindset in my abilities.”
Nicola has encouraged Claire to attend regional meetings and the annual conference of the Society of Health Play Specialists, as well as training and networking opportunities. These experiences have helped Claire develop her professional knowledge, make connections with other Health Play Specialists and explore new areas of practice.
Nicola has worked in health play since 2005 and qualified as a Health Play Specialist in 2008. She joined The QEH more than three years ago and works with children and families on Rudham Children’s Ward.
Her role includes preparing children for procedures and investigations, supporting those who are frightened of needles or medical treatment, providing therapeutic play for children who are long-term inpatients and supporting children and families through sensitive circumstances.
Nicola is also committed to finding new ways to improve children’s experiences of healthcare. She has recently been involved in a quality improvement project around TAP (Touch Activated Phlebotomy), which can provide an alternative approach to traditional blood testing for some patients, including those with learning difficulties or needle phobia.
She also creates opportunities for children and families to have positive experiences alongside their treatment, including arranging a pantomime trip for patients who have shown particular bravery and an annual Christmas oncology party.
Nicola and Claire were previously recognised together in 2024 when they received a QEH Outstanding Contribution to Living Our Values Award following a nomination from the mother of a young patient.
The Starlight Health Play Awards are held as part of National Play in Healthcare Week, which runs from 5 to 9 October and aims to raise awareness of the benefits of play in children’s healthcare.
Cathy Gilman, Chief Executive of Starlight, said: “Nicola is a wonderful example of what great mentoring can achieve. By sharing nearly two decades of experience while giving Claire the encouragement and confidence to develop her own skills, she is helping to nurture the next generation of Health Play Specialists.
“Nicola’s commitment to Claire, alongside the compassion and expertise she brings to children and families every day, makes her a very deserving winner of our Mentor of the Year Award.”
Jo Segasby, Deputy Chief Executive & Group Delivery Officer for the Norfolk & Waveney University Hospitals Group, said: “We are incredibly proud of Nicola and this wonderful national recognition of her contribution.
“Through her work with children and families and her commitment to mentoring Claire, Nicola demonstrates the compassion, expertise and encouragement that make such a difference to people’s experiences of healthcare.
“It is particularly fitting that Nicola was nominated by Claire herself. Helping the next generation of Health Play Specialists to develop and thrive is an important contribution to the future of children’s healthcare, and we are delighted to celebrate Nicola’s achievement.”
Esther Dorken, Head of Midwifery and Nursing for Women’s and Children’s at The QEH, added: “Nicola’s passion for improving the experiences of children and young people shines through in everything she does. Through play, creativity and compassion, she helps children feel more confident and less anxious during what can often be a difficult and frightening time.
“She is also an exceptional mentor who is committed to supporting and developing others. The impact she has had on Claire’s confidence and professional growth is a wonderful example of the importance of nurturing future talent within our profession.
“This national award is thoroughly deserved and recognises not only Nicola’s dedication to children and families, but also her commitment to ensuring the next generation of Health Play Specialists can continue to make a difference for patients in the years ahead.”
Nicola said: “It was a huge shock. I really didn’t expect it, but it’s very nice to be recognised for the work that we do.
“It was my apprentice who nominated me, but to be honest, I feel she did all the hard work. She’s a fantastic part of our team, and she’s going to be an incredible play specialist herself.”
Nicola added: “I love this job – I love the little differences you can make that have a really big impact.”
Nicola will attend the formal Starlight Health Play Awards ceremony in London on 10 November.
Ends. Notes to editors; For media enquiries only, please contact Communications Team, media.enquiries@qehkl.nhs.uk or 01553 613216. For all other enquiries, please contact QEH Switchboard on 01553 613613.
About Starlight
Starlight is the UK’s leading charity working to put play at the heart of every child’s healthcare.
The charity provides play resources, promotes best practice and campaigns to ensure play is embedded within health services. It highlights the role of play in reducing anxiety and trauma associated with treatment and medical procedures and helping children feel more resilient and receptive to care.
About the Starlight Health Play Awards
The Starlight Health Play Awards celebrate health professionals who are transforming children’s experiences of healthcare through play.
There are four award categories:
- Health Play Specialist of the Year
- Mentor of the Year
- Play Team of the Year
- Protector of Play
The 2026 awards are being held as part of National Play in Healthcare Week, which runs from 5–9 October 2026.
Ryman is the headline sponsor of the Starlight Health Play Awards, with Titan Wealth and Aspire Inside also supporting the awards.
About Health Play Specialists
Health Play Specialists use therapeutic play, preparation, distraction and other techniques to help children understand and cope with healthcare experiences. Their work can support children through procedures, treatment and hospital stays while helping to reduce anxiety and distress.
