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Our Story
Move and Play Paediatric Therapy is multidisciplinary children’s therapy service providing services and supports to children and families in the Mackay, Whitsunday and Moranbah regions.
Founded in 2015 by Emily Hayles, Physiotherapist and Owner, Move and Play was established to help meet the growing need for paediatric therapy services for children in the Mackay region, and to create a better model of care than was previously available by creating quality services that can wrap around the child and family, are tailored to meet each child and family’s individual needs, and support children to participate in their home, school and community environments. From humble beginnings, Move and Play has now grown to consist of a team of passionate and experienced therapists and support staff who share this same passion for helping children and families to thrive.
What makes us unique?
At Move and Play, all our therapists are specifically trained in the care of babies and children. Our sole focus at our practice is the care of children and families, and our services and clinic environment is set up specifically to meet the needs of children.
We work in a child and family centred way. We believe that parents know their children better than anyone else. We collaborate with children, parents and families to add value to their already existing strengths. We believe that your child’s therapy needs to fit into your family life, not life fitting around therapy.
About Emily
Move and Play Paediatric Therapy’s founder, Emily Hayles, is a mother of three and has been providing paediatric physiotherapy services to children and families in the Mackay and surrounding regions for over 17 years.
Emily’s passion for ensuring that children can reach their full potential, and that children and families are supported through quality, timely, and empowering care is the driving force behind Move and Play and all our therapeutic services.
We believe that every child has the capacity to learn, given the right opportunities. We look for these opportunities, not the barriers.
We celebrate all the little successes. Your child’s achievement of ‘millistones’ is just as important and exciting as their achievement of ‘milestones’.
We are known for being helpful, positive and passionate about our work, and for being leaders in helping children in our local community.
Our Values
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Each child and family is unique. We listen to your family’s specific needs and we always strive to do what’s best for your child.
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We never get tired of answering questions and we never dismiss a parent’s concerns.
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We’ll do anything in our power to ensure your child and family gets the right type of support. If our service is not what your child needs, we’ll refer you to the most suitable provider.
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We treat children like the precious human beings that they are, not like patients. We recognise the worry, stress and frustration that parents experience every day. We don’t criticize parents for missing home therapy. Instead, we find solutions to help them and we encourage them to celebrate the smallest of victories.
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A diagnosis does not define your child. A prognosis is not written in stone. We always work towards the best possible outcome and we believe that practice makes progress.
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Parents know their children like no one else. We share our recommendations, but we also listen to parents and we learn from them every day.
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Each person has their own set of abilities and talents. A child is a child, regardless of conditions or circumstances. All children should have the same opportunities and advantages.
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