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In January, we received the exciting news that the University of Michigan C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital is ranked by Parents magazine as one of the best children’s hospitals in the country—18th in the country and the highest ranked in the state of Michigan. The ranking is based on extensive data including the number of complex procedures, research studies, staff qualifications and safeguards to prevent medical errors.
In addition to outstanding pediatric medicine, children’s hospitals provide places for children to have fun and for families to spend time together. Here at Mott Children’s Hospital, our Child and Family Life department provides those opportunities and is an important part of our family-centered care.
In this issue of Michigan Cares you will learn more about the broad range of programs Child and Family Life provides and the talented professionals who work in the department. Mott’s child life specialists, activity therapists, music therapist, art therapists and teacher have one common goal—helping patients and families.
Child and Family Life is able to make the hospital a fun place for patients like Bobby Moody, who has been coming to Mott Hospital over the past 12 years. Read Bobby’s story on page 8. The Child and Family Life staff find creative new ways to help patients. For example, turn to page 6 to read how patients with cystic fibrosis benefit from an online art therapy support group.
Child and Family Life does not charge for any of its services, and the support of donors is critical to the department. All donors are important, but Child and Family Life has several partnerships that have special significance. Kiwanis has been a major donor for an amazing 86 consecutive years. Other donors like Oliver/Hatcher Charities and the University of Michigan Dance Marathon also provide vital support. These groups understand the importance of what Child and Family Life provides, and have committed volunteer and financial support to help Mott patients and families.
This issue honors the people who provide comfort and support to our patients and families, as staff or volunteers or through financial support. Thank you for supporting family-centered care!
Sincerely,
Patricia A. Warner
Associate Hospital Director
The University of Michigan Hospitals
and Health Centers
Chief Administrative Officer, C.S. Mott Children’s Hospital and Women’s Hospital |
