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A family has praised a hospital play specialist for the way her thoughtful preparation and compassionate support helped their autistic son undergo surgery at Kettering General Hospital.

For 14-year-old Dylan Hampton, from Kettering, dental surgery meant spending time in unfamiliar locations with unfamiliar people as well as other changes to his routine, which can be overwhelming for an autistic person.

To make the experience as calm and predictable as possible, Kettering General Hospital Play Specialist Coordinator Claire Green took the time to understand his individual communication, sensory and emotional needs.

She ensured these were shared with everyone involved in his care and created a personalised visual guide to help familiarise Dylan with the procedure and the steps leading up to it.  

She also introduced him to some of the medical equipment in a safe, controlled way prior to surgery and monitored his position on the theatre list to keep his family informed.

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.”

These small but important adaptations helped give Dylan a sense of trust and control, reducing uncertainty and making the experience less stressful for him and his family.

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”, adding that Claire was kind. 

To thank Claire for the critical role she played, Dylan's family nominated her 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.

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.

Robin Binks, University Hospitals of Northamptonshire Chief Nurse, added: “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.” 

A play team is based on-site at both Kettering and Northampton General Hospitals. To request support, outpatients can speak to staff in the department they are visiting. Inpatients can ask ward staff for a referral.

More information about the support available for neurodivergent patients and their families can be found on the Northampton and Kettering General Hospital websites:

  Visit the Kettering General Hospital Learning Disability and Autism Service

  Visit the Northampton General Hospital Learning Disability and Autism Service

To celebrate someone who made a positive difference to your care, please nominate them for a UHN Star Award .