one of a kind care - Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics
one of a kind care - Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics
one of a kind care - Children's Mercy Hospitals and Clinics
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Children deserve a<br />
children’s hospital. A<br />
place where the staff is<br />
educated, trained <strong>and</strong><br />
dedicated to not only treating<br />
the child’s illness, but caring for<br />
the complete range <strong>of</strong> the child’s<br />
needs as well.<br />
That is why Children’s <strong>Mercy</strong> has<br />
been a leader in advocating for<br />
the psychosocial (emotional <strong>and</strong><br />
social) needs <strong>of</strong> children <strong>and</strong> their<br />
families. We are <strong>one</strong> <strong>of</strong> the only<br />
hospitals in the region to employ<br />
certified child life specialists<br />
– individuals with a graduate<br />
or undergraduate degree in a<br />
variety <strong>of</strong> disciplines related to<br />
child development, psychology,<br />
education, family studies, or<br />
therapeutic recreation <strong>and</strong><br />
who have completed a hospital<br />
internship. These specialists<br />
work closely with the children <strong>and</strong><br />
families to provide materials <strong>and</strong><br />
guidance for developmentally<br />
appropriate play, prepare children<br />
for medical experiences, advocate<br />
for patient <strong>and</strong> family rights,<br />
<strong>and</strong> promote a non-threatening,<br />
normalized environment.<br />
With 10 unit-based play rooms<br />
<strong>and</strong> a full menu <strong>of</strong> programs<br />
including music therapy,<br />
pet therapy <strong>and</strong> relaxation<br />
child lifewith<br />
techniques, the Child Life staff is<br />
integrated throughout the hospital<br />
<strong>and</strong> involved as members <strong>of</strong> the<br />
<strong>care</strong> team. This has allowed our<br />
Child Life specialists to have a<br />
measurable impact on patient life<br />
at the hospital.<br />
Involvement with radiology<br />
patients has helped reduce the<br />
need for sedation by<br />
14% for patients<br />
undergoing<br />
procedures<br />
such as CT<br />
scans. Child<br />
Life-led pre-op<br />
tours have<br />
improved<br />
patient<br />
cooperation,<br />
reduced fear,<br />
<strong>and</strong> improved<br />
satisfaction<br />
surgery patients. And<br />
education for parents on<br />
comforting positions for holding<br />
their child during procedures, play<br />
programs for siblings, <strong>and</strong> family<br />
resources <strong>and</strong> support have<br />
helped create a less stressful<br />
experience for the entire family.<br />
You see, at Children’s <strong>Mercy</strong>,<br />
caring for kids is what we do. It’s<br />
all we do.<br />
Sally Ross, Patient Activity<br />
Assistant at Children’s <strong>Mercy</strong><br />
South, with a young patient.<br />
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