Empathy in Action
Remember a visit with a longtime asthma patient who seemed off. Wallace noticed and decided to address it first. She shared significant news, and with the help of the care team, including the integrative health therapist and social worker, she received the support she needed. It showed that caring about a patient as a person leads to more than just medical treatment.Another example is when a child and their family are stressed. The child life services team steps in with preparation and engaging activities to help them heal. Kids in school can connect with an on-staff teacher, and an art therapist helps them express themselves creatively. A dedicated chaplain is available 24/7 for comfort. These services provide a sense of normalcy during difficult times.
Putting Kids First
At Sanford Children’s Hospital, support staff go the extra mile. Social workers like Elisha Nelson help with transportation, accommodation, and medication costs. They follow up with families and are integral to the care team.When it comes to food insecurity, Kid’s Kitchen distributes nearly 5,500 pounds of food weekly. Families are screened at appointments, and if needed, Nelson or a colleague provides food. This has decreased the appointment no-show rate and serves 2,000 individuals monthly. It’s a clinic-wide effort to ensure families have the food they need.
A Culture that Cares
Going to the hospital can be scary, but at Sanford Children’s Hospital, a team of over 500 care team members works together to provide child- and family-centered care. From physicians to child life specialists, they make a difference.As one patient said, “We’re not going to miss coming here, but we are going to miss seeing you.” This shows the connection and support families feel. Sanford Health is dedicated to providing more than just medical care for kids.
Find care that does more for kids at Sanford Health.