Kettering family praise hospital play specialist as 'absolute angel' for care of autistic son
Family nominated play specialist for a Star Award after their son's dental surgery
The family of an autistic teenager have praised a hospital play specialist in Kettering for the way she prepared him for dental surgery.
14-year-old Dylan Hampton, from Kettering, had surgery at Kettering General Hospital.
His family nominated Claire Green, the hospital's Play Specialist Coordinator, for a University Hospitals of Northamptonshire (UHN) Star Award.
The awards celebrate colleagues, teams and volunteers who go above and beyond to make a difference to patients, families and each other.
How Dylan was supported
UHN said dental surgery meant Dylan spending time in unfamiliar places with unfamiliar people, as well as other changes to his routine, which can be overwhelming for an autistic person.
The trust said Claire took the time to understand his individual communication, sensory and emotional needs.
She ensured these were shared with everyone involved in his care.
She also created a personalised visual guide to help familiarise Dylan with the procedure and the steps leading up to it.
Before the surgery, she introduced him to some of the medical equipment in a safe, controlled way.
She also monitored his position on the theatre list to keep his family informed.
The trust said these adaptations helped give Dylan a sense of trust and control, and made the experience less stressful for him and his family.
Claire said:
"Communication was key. I stayed in regular contact with Dylan's mum by phone and email. Providing a visual social story in advance which talked about the ward and the surgery allowed Dylan to prepare and ask questions in his own time."
"Understanding his unique needs and making sure his voice was heard meant we were able to make his stay as comfortable as possible. This included recognising shifts in his body language so we could pause when needed to allow him to process information before becoming overwhelmed."
What the family said
Dylan's mum, Rosie Hampton, said:
"Claire was a breath of fresh air - an absolute angel - who consistently went above and beyond during an extremely anxious time."
"She listened to us, understood Dylan's individual needs and explained each stage in a way he could manage."
"We had a hospital passport prepared for Dylan which Claire shared with the wider team. Being able to see the equipment beforehand and knowing what to expect made a huge difference. Dylan felt calmer and more in control, and we felt listened to and supported as a family."
Dylan, who has now recovered from his surgery, said it had been helpful to see everything and have everything explained, and that Claire was kind.
Star Award reaction
Claire said:
"It was a complete surprise to receive a Star Award. I am proud that my work has been recognised but it really is a team effort. Every day, the whole play team is dedicated to ensuring children and their families are supported at each stage of their hospital journey."
"Our aim is to listen carefully to each patient's needs and make adjustments where possible to reassure them. Even small changes can make a significant difference for patients of all ages, especially those who are neurodivergent."
UHN Chief Nurse Robin Binks said:
"We are delighted that Dylan's surgery went well and that Claire played a pivotal role in this successful outcome. Her nomination reflects UHN's commitment to compassionate care and shows how a patient-centred approach can transform a person's hospital experience."
How to get play team support
A play team is based on-site at both Kettering General Hospital and Northampton General Hospital.
Outpatients can request support by speaking to staff in the department they are visiting.
Inpatients can ask ward staff for a referral.