At Children’s Health Scotland, we know that play is far more than just fun – it’s a vital part of a child’s healing journey. The Health-Related Play Award celebrates someone who has made a profound difference to a young person’s life through the power of play. This year, we are thrilled to honour Melody Cox, a Health Play Specialist whose compassion, creativity, and dedication have transformed countless hospital experiences for children.
A Specialist Who Makes Hospital Feel Less Scary
Melody’s role as a Health Play Specialist is all about making hospital visits less traumatic and more empowering for children. She prepares young patients for procedures, provides distraction during treatment, and creates a safe, supportive environment tailored to each child’s individual needs.
“Play is the language of children and it is how they experience the world,” Melody explains. “It’s my role to speak up for the child’s individual needs and ensure their voice is heard within the healthcare team.”
Her work spans across hospital departments, using strategic play-based techniques to help children cope with everything from blood tests to MRI scans. Whether it’s calming a needle-phobic teenager or helping a four-year-old lie still for a scan, Melody’s approach is always personal, thoughtful, and deeply effective.
The Teddy Hospital and a Book That Brings Comfort
Melody is also a key figure in the Teddy Hospital – a unique space where children can learn about medical procedures in a non-clinical, comforting environment. Here, children receive a hospital teddy bear and a personalised medical kit, allowing them to “practice” procedures on their bear before experiencing them themselves.
She also featured in the children’s book Sandy Meets the Teddy Hospital, launched by Children’s Health Scotland on Human Rights Day. The book is a visual guide that helps children understand what to expect during a blood test, and Melody played a central role in ensuring its accuracy and warmth.
“Creating this book has been an amazing opportunity and another tool to use when prepping a child,” she says. “It highlights the importance of the role as a Health Play Specialist and how we can support a child through play.”
Making a Real Difference
The judging panel was unanimous in their admiration for Melody’s work:
“Melody is a wonderful example of using health-related play to support children and young people. Her involvement in the Teddy Hospital and her contribution to the children’s book show her commitment not only to her patients but also to the wider mission of Children’s Health Scotland.”
Melody’s impact is best illustrated through the stories she shares. From helping a 15-year-old girl overcome her fear of joint injections using a VR headset, to guiding a young boy through an MRI scan he was once too anxious to complete – her work changes lives.
“Seeing a child have severe anxiety to now complying with a procedure, overcoming their fears, is the most rewarding part of my job,” Melody says.
A Moment of Pride
Winning the Health-Related Play Award has been a deeply emotional and proud moment for Melody.
“I was in complete shock when I found out I’d won,” she admits. “This recognition is huge – not just for me, but for the role itself. Many people don’t even know Health Play Specialists exist, and I hope this award helps promote the vital work we do.”
Congratulations, Melody. Your work reminds us all of the healing power of play, and the extraordinary difference one person can make in a child’s life.
About the Scottish Children’s Health Awards
The Scottish Children’s Health Awards celebrate the people and projects making a real difference in the lives of children and young people living with health conditions. Each award winner is announced during Scottish Children’s Health Week (1–7 September)—a week dedicated to raising awareness of children’s health rights, sharing inspiring stories, and promoting self-management, play, and wellbeing.
Join Us
Be part of the movement to defend children’s health rights. Explore the week’s activities, read more award stories, and share your own messages of support using #MyHealthMyRights and #SCHW2025. Whether you’re a parent, professional, young person, or supporter—your voice matters.
Visit https://www.childrenshealthscotland.org/events/scottish-childrens-health-week/ to learn more, download resources, and discover how you can take part in Scottish Children’s Health Week.
Want to Nominate for 2026?
You can nominate now for our 2026 by clicking HERE.
