TAMPA – AdventHealth Tampa celebrated during the holidays the impact of The Toy Foundation Children’s Hospital Play Grants Program, which has helped create more personalized care for pediatric patients through its S.T.A.R. Program.
Over the past year, the $8,000 grant from The Toy Foundation has funded innovative play and distraction tools, reenforcing a calming and engaging environment for children during their hospital stay.
The S.T.A.R. Program (Sensory, Auditory, Tactile, Rockstars) enables hospital staff to create individualized care plans for pediatric patients with special needs, using play resources to assist with emotional regulation, coping and communication. Hospital officials say the program has been instrumental in reducing anxiety, preventing sensory escalation and ensuring a positive hospital experience for patients and families alike.
“Play is such an important part of the healing process for children,” said Sandra Burnetter, pediatric services director at AdventHealth Tampa. “It allows us to connect with our patients in meaningful ways, giving them a sense of control and comfort. The tools we’ve added, thanks to The Toy Foundation, have truly transformed the care we’re able to provide.”
Among the resources funded by the grant are iPads, weighted mats and sensory-friendly items like projectors and chewy tubes. These tools have helped create a sense of safety and engagement, especially during procedures.
Siobhan Murphy, child life specialist at AdventHealth Tampa, said the grant program has made the stay better for some of the hospital’s youngest patients.
“We’ve seen children who were once anxious and overwhelmed become calm and cooperative,” Murphy said. “Recently, an iPad provided just the right distraction for a young patient during an EEG test, eliminating the need for sedation. Moments like these are so meaningful. They show how play can make a real difference in their care and comfort.”
AdventHealth Tampa plans to continue and expand the S.T.A.R. Program, including educating team members on the importance of play and increasing access to sensory-friendly resources across the hospital.
The hospital also hopes to develop a campus-wide initiative to benefit all patients with special needs, not just those in pediatrics.
“This partnership has been a gift not only to our patients but to our entire team,” Burnetter said.