Caring For Kids
In a series of personal essays, Mary Greeley staff and a parent explain why people, places and things all need careful consideration when pediatric patients are involved.
Every time they pulled into the medical center parking lot, two-year-old Henry Johnsen asked his mom, ‘Just listening today?’ Henry’s cancer had triggered a constant threat of devastating infection. Frequent blood draws were necessary, but never easy. And they were always anxiety provoking.
Henry’s story – as told by his mom, Julie – is one of six articles in this issue of Health Connect that provide helpful insights into how kids should be cared for while in the hospital. Several of these articles have been written by the people who provide that care at Mary Greeley Medical Center.
After all, as Mary Greeley paramedic Adam Dunlap points out, children are not just “little adults.” They have their own physical, emotional and psychological needs. They cannot always understand the purpose of or need for a procedure. That alone can spike their fear.
Calming the little ones – and their parents – goes a long way toward creating positive medical experiences whenever possible. Whether you’re a parent, grandparent, or caregiver, we hope the wisdom shared here will be useful.
