Jaehwa Bernardo

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Filipino nurse in London honored for supporting kids in emergency surgeries

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern

<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17641322286467EBB4295-C513-49C4-9797-70DD76DBD864.png" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="633"/>Photos courtesy of Raquel Duncombe</div>A Filipina anesthetic nurse in London has been recognized with a national award for her work in easing the anxiety of children undergoing urgent medical procedures through the use of sensory play.Raquel Duncombe, who works at Princess Royal University Hospital (PRUH), bagged the Protector of Play Award at the 2025 Starlight Play in Healthcare Awards, which honors healthcare professionals in the United Kingdon who integrate play to improve young patients&#x27; hospital experiences. Born and raised in Zamboanga City, Duncombe was nominated by several colleagues for the &quot;significant difference&quot; she makes in supporting children during often traumatizing moments in emergency situations. Speaking to ABS-CBN News, Duncombe said she did not initially recognize the significance of the award, noting that she was simply doing her job.&quot;Hindi ko iniisip na magiging ganito. Pero ang laki ng impact. ‘Tsaka ngayon na nag-reflect ako, nag-a-align siya kung bakit ba talaga ako nag-nursing,&quot; she said.Working in a high-pressure environment where anxiety among young patients is common, Duncombe began researching ways to reduce trauma during emergency procedures, leading her to apply for support from the Starlight Foundation.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/1764132288329Screenshot 2025-11-25 at 12.15.20 PM.png" style="width:960px" class="fr-fic fr-dib" width="960"/></div>When her application for the sensory play box was approved, she started using the &quot;Starlight Distraction Box,&quot; which makes use of toys and various objects that help shift a child’s attention away from fear.&quot;When they have sensory tools – something to squeeze, something that lights up, something that feels interesting in their hands, parang na ga-ground sila. Mayroong bagay na makaka-focus sila. May sense of control sila,&quot; she explained.Duncombe, who has worked overseas for seven years, said her Filipino upbringing has deeply influenced how she connects with young patients and their families.&quot;Feeling ko kasi tayong mga Pinoy, exceptional talaga tayo sa pagiging warm na tao kasi hospitable tayo, compassionate tayo, tapos meron tayong family ethics,&quot; she said.<div><img src="https://od2-image-api.abs-cbn.com/prod/editorImage/17641322776286DA845BC-B1DE-4FCE-B8AF-5B537C0997B1.png" style="width:633px" class="fr-fic fr-dib"/></div>Duncombe hopes more more hospitals will support the use of play-based interventions.I hope that also in the Philippines, we can support child-centered healthcare, whether it&#x27;s funding play specialists or improving pediatric environments or simply advocating for compassionate practices,&quot; she said.She also hopes to encourage other healthcare workers in creating positive moments for chldren during procedures.&quot;You don&#x27;t have to fix all of their fears. You just have to meet them halfway. Kasi children aren&#x27;t looking for perfection, long explanations, or quick procedures. What they remember most is how we made them feel,&quot; she said.

A Filipina anesthetic nurse in London has been recognized with a national award for her work in easing the anxiety of children undergoing urgent medical procedures through the use of sensory play.

A Filipina anesthetic nurse in London has been recognized with a national award for her work in easing the anxiety of children undergoing urgent medical procedures through the use of sensory play.

Filipino nurse in London honored for supporting kids in emergency surgeries

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Filipino nurse in London honored for supporting kids in emergency surgeries

ABS-CBN News Digital Intern,

Virla Limbo

Published November 30, 2025 04:55 PM PHT

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Raquel Duncombe

overseas Filipios

United Kingdon

London

2025 Starlight Play in Healthcare Awards

Filipino nurse

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