Introduction

This chapter serves as an Introduction to the book. It includes a reflection on the significance of play in a child’s life, especially their time in a healthcare setting. Play may be used to prepare a child for a medical procedure and as a distraction during such interventions. It may also be offered as a normalising function, especially where a child is likely to be in hospital for an extended period. The chapter also includes a brief preview of the chapters to be found in the book. It culminates in a plea for hospital authprities to take the child’s right to play seriously.