Filipina nurse wins award for new approach in supporting children during emergency surgeries
A Filipina nurse working in London was recognized for her efforts in leading a new approach to support children during emergency surgeries by using toys.
Raquel Duncombe, a staff nurse at Princess Royal University Hospital, was awarded the Protector of Play Award at the 2025 Starlight Play in Healthcare Awards for using a set of therapeutic toys and tools to help young patients overcome anxiety during emergency procedures.
According to King's College Hospital NHS, which manages PRUH, Raquel had been using a so-called "Starlight Distraction Box" to calm children undergoing urgent procedures such as appendectomies, bone fractures, or lumbar punctures.
The Starlight Foundation detailed that the box is filled with toys, games, and puzzles, and has "distinctive colours" that help children become "less scared and anxious about going to the treatment room or about a visit from the nurse."
Aside from this, Duncombe has also been praised for promoting a playful approach among colleagues.
In an interview on BBC London, Duncombe shared that she was "trying not to burst" with happiness for being recognized for her work.
"I was just thinking, 'Wow, what a nice award.' So they told me to keep it quiet. So I was keeping it quiet but trying not to burst or anything because I'm so happy for a Filipino here who is working for a long time here in the UK," she said.
"It's like pride for us as well to have served this country too through just little ways," she added.
In another statement, Duncombe shared that she hopes all her colleagues will also use the therapeutic toys to support young patients.
"It’s a way to connect with the child—it helps the child and helps them to do their job. It’s scary for children to come to us: everyone is rushing around and focused on their role," she said.
"If a child is upset and crying, there’s more risk. It can make the airway harder to manage. But when the child is happy, everything runs more smoothly. Even in recovery, the first thing some children say now is: ‘Where’s my toy?’" she added.
The Starlight Play in Healthcare Awards are annual awards given by the Starlight Children's Foundation to recognize individuals and teams who use play to improve the hospital experience for seriously ill children.