A Therapeutic Radiographer from Ipswich Hospital has inspired a book about allied health professionals for primary school children.
Jemma Yarnton-Peacock, allied health professional (AHP) faculty lead for East Suffolk and North Essex Integrated Care System, found there was little written about AHPs and their roles for five and six-year-olds.
She approached children’s author Matt King, who wrote and illustrated ‘Who will you be?’, an introduction to all 14 AHP roles, including radiography, physiotherapy, podiatry and more.
Increasing awareness and health literacy
Jemma was first inspired to seek an author for an idea while on an innovation fellowship with the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust (ESNEFT). She worked on the content of the book with AHP colleagues from Suffolk and north east Essex, including Shane Jarvis in the ESNEFT’s Innovation Team, whose support helped bring the idea to life.
She said: “There was lots of literature on doctors and nurses and a few on individual AHP roles such as paramedics. Significant efforts and resources go into improving awareness of AHP careers and pathways in secondary school and further education.
“What if we could improve awareness and increase health literacy at the earliest possible point with young children?”
Matt King said: “It was an absolute pleasure working with the team at ESNEFT. When Jemma approached me with the task of creating a children’s picture book containing all the allied health professions, I thought it was a wonderful challenge.
“Rather than going down the route of a more traditional, reference-style book, I felt it was important to keep the book feeling light and playful, introducing each role through a fun narrative. Collaborating with the team and expert reference group, we aimed to make sure each role was represented accurately (despite the fact they’re animals!).
“I really hope this book helps shine a light on these important and largely underrepresented roles.”
Creativity and commitment
The book launched at Rushmere Hall Primary School to a crowd of around 120 children in February, with copies now being sent to primary schools and community libraries across Suffolk and north east Essex.
One of the first children to read the book was Jemma’s son Reggie, 5, a pupil at Rushmere Hall.
When asked what AHP role he would like to do in the future, Reggie said he wanted to follow in his mum's footsteps: “I want to be the one that zaps the lumps away.”
The students got the chance to look at different AHP roles through play and activities.
Penny Cason, director of AHPs at ESNEFT and chief AHP for Suffolk and North East Essex Integrated Care System, said: “This book is something we are incredibly proud of. Jemma’s creativity and commitment resulted in a resource that will inspire children, families and schools, while showcasing the vital contribution AHPs make to health and care.”
The project was supported and funded through the trust’s Faculty of Education.
(Image: Reggie (L) and Jemma Yarnton-Peacock (R), via ESNEFT)