one of a kind care - Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics

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We understand that smiles are as important as medicine. Liesel Stephens, Music Therapist
Children deserve a children’s hospital. A place where the staff is educated, trained and dedicated to not only treating the child’s illness, but caring for the complete range of the child’s needs as well. That is why Children’s Mercy has been a leader in advocating for the psychosocial (emotional and social) needs of children and their families. We are one of the only hospitals in the region to employ certified child life specialists – individuals with a graduate or undergraduate degree in a variety of disciplines related to child development, psychology, education, family studies, or therapeutic recreation and who have completed a hospital internship. These specialists work closely with the children and families to provide materials and guidance for developmentally appropriate play, prepare children for medical experiences, advocate for patient and family rights, and promote a non-threatening, normalized environment. With 10 unit-based play rooms and a full menu of programs including music therapy, pet therapy and relaxation child lifewith techniques, the Child Life staff is integrated throughout the hospital and involved as members of the care team. This has allowed our Child Life specialists to have a measurable impact on patient life at the hospital. Involvement with radiology patients has helped reduce the need for sedation by 14% for patients undergoing procedures such as CT scans. Child Life-led pre-op tours have improved patient cooperation, reduced fear, and improved satisfaction surgery patients. And education for parents on comforting positions for holding their child during procedures, play programs for siblings, and family resources and support have helped create a less stressful experience for the entire family. You see, at Children’s Mercy, caring for kids is what we do. It’s all we do. Sally Ross, Patient Activity Assistant at Children’s Mercy South, with a young patient. 5
Page 1 and 2: one of a kind care 2005 annual repo
Page 3 and 4: As the only pediatric hospital in t
Page 5: It all started in 1897 with one bed
Page 9 and 10: environment From the moment familie
Page 11 and 12: Simply put, children and their fami
Page 13 and 14: As one of the first children’s ho
Page 15 and 16: When a child is hospitalized, it ca
Page 17 and 18: While Children’s Mercy prides its
Page 19 and 20: programs and services A new inpatie
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Page 51 and 52: fast facts The past year was one of

one of a kind care - Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics

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