U-M’s Mott Children’s Hospital creates buttons of friendly faces for teams treating children
Mott Children's Hospital and Von Voigtlander Women's Hospital now wear buttons with their faces on them to improve patient experience while masks remain a critical safety measure to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Mott Children’s Hospital can now safely see what their care team looks like. “Being at the hospital can be a scary and nerve-racking experience for children,” Luanne Thomas Ewald, chief operating officer at Mott and Von Voigtlander Women’s Hospital said in a statement. “We recognize that COVID precautions may make it difficult for some patients to recognize the people who are taking care of them. “Current restrictions are critical to keeping our hospital community safe but also limit some human interactions that show you care.
Annual Save A Heart Gala at C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital goes virtual
Annual Save A Heart Gala raises funds for congenital heart research, families of patients at U-M's C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital Congenital Heart Center’s annual Save A Heart Gala has gone virtual this year due to the ongoing pandemic. Now in its 28th year, the event raises funds to support congenital heart research and families whose children with life-threatening heart conditions receive treatment at Mott. The Save A Heart Virtual Gala will kick off on Thursday at 7 p.m. The annual campaign coincides with Congenital Heart Defect Awareness Week and American Heart Month in February.
Donors endow Michigan Medicine’s hospital dog program
ANN ARBOR – A gift from donors Lainie and Kenny Lipschutz and the Lipschutz Family Fund has made Michigan Medicine’s Paws4Patients a permanent program in the health system. To honor the family’s generosity, the program has been renamed the Lipschutz-Danzansky Family Paws4Patients Program. Established in 2016 with the support of several donor families, the program -- and its four-legged caregivers -- provides support and comfort to Michigan Medicine patients and their families. (Courtesy: Michigan Medicine)The Lipschutzs are also members of the Michigan Medicine C.S. Each dog was matched with Michigan Medicine based on the types of patients that receive care and the health system’s needs.
U-M researchers: Parent visitation should not be restricted at pediatric hospitals
Vance: The majority of hospitals changed policies to limit visitation to one parent/caregiver at the bedside. Several hospitals restricted all parents, caregivers and others required that only one parent be designated as the ‘visitor’ for the duration of the hospitalization. I am hopeful that with this statement and the attention it may garner, that hospital administrators review visitation policies to ensure they aren’t overreaching. Vance: The term “essential care” came directly from parents who stated this is how they wanted to be viewed. The specific phrasing of “essential care” is new in this context, but for a long time, there have been many advocates for family-centered care which integrates family involvement.
Pediatric patients in Ann Arbor experience ‘bedside toy store’ ahead of Christmas
A member of the Mott Child and Family Life team dressed as an elf delivers presents to a pediatric patient at Mott Children's Hospital. ANN ARBOR – Although the coronavirus pandemic has changed holiday traditions worldwide this year, the annual “bedside toy store” at C.S. This year, members of the Mott Child and Family Life Team played elves and went “shopping” for the perfect gifts patients. A member of staff picks out toys for a family of a hospitalized child at Mott Children's Hospital. Before the pandemic, the holiday store is an event that lasts days and involves 20-30 volunteers who help wrap gifts and stock the shelves.
Santa makes virtual visits to pediatric patients in Ann Arbor
ANN ARBOR – Though this pandemic has canceled most yearly events and traditions, Santa isn’t one of them. The man in the red suit and Mrs. Claus made virtual visits from the North Pole via Zoom to sick children at Michigan Medicine C.S. Child and Family Life staff made the cherished yearly visit possible by bringing Santa room to room on an iPad. “Because of their health conditions, visiting Santa isn’t possible for many of them, let alone during a pandemic. We are so thankful to the donors who are giving the gift of time to keep the tradition alive this year.”Related reading: