The goal of Vanderbilt Children's Hospital is to focus on the special needs of its young patients and their families.
It's a goal highlighted during Children and Healthcare Week, celebrated this year March 15-19, and sponsored by the Association for the Care of Children's Health.
Vanderbilt Children's Hospital will mark the week with a series of entertaining and educational events for patients, for staff and faculty and the community. Throughout the week, child life specialists will visit five Metro libraries to present "A Visit to the Doctor or Hospital" through medical play, and crafts and special activities will be offered in the 5th floor playroom and the 6th floor activity room.
The schedule includes:
Monday, March 15 –
2 p.m., kick-off celebration with cakes for Children's Hospital staff, 2 p.m. (Cakes will be distributed to various areas within the hospital).
5:30 p.m., Nashville Dog Trainers will visit patients room-by-room on the fifth and sixth floors.
Tuesday, March 16 –
10:30 a.m., Boots the Clown will visit children in the fifth floor playroom and room-to-room.
5:30 p.m., Friends of Children's Hospital will provide Parent Night Dinner in the fifth floor playroom for parents of all patients in VCH, including the neonatal intensive care unit.
Wednesday, March 17 –
10 a.m., special playroom performance of "Mad Science," a new program to let children learn, explore and be creative with science.
Thursday, March 18 –
Singer and guitarist Tim Ryan will perform for the children in the playroom.
Lunch and Learn program with Dr. John Algren, associate professor of Anesthesiology and Pediatrics and Chris Algren, Ph.D., R.N., on "Partners for Pediatric Pain Management," noon-1 p.m., in the Wadlington Conference Room, VUH 6S.
Friday, March 19 –
Dairy Queen Sundae Party and showcase of VCH video, 2 p.m., playroom.
Lunch and Learn program with Donna Wong, Ph.D., R.N., co-author of "Essentials of Pediatric Nursing" and nationally known advocate of pain control and children's optimum healthcare experience. Her presentation, from noon-1 p.m., will be "Principles of Atraumatic Care." It will be in 208 Light Hall and will be followed by Q&A from 1 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
To reserve a meal at either Lunch and Learn program, or to learn more about the week's events, please call 322-0357 or 322-2146.