Bereavement Support
UI Children’s Hospital offers special support for families experiencing the death of a child. Our staff is trained to help grieving family members cope with the extreme emotions that accompany this experience. Our nurses help parents protect the beloved memories of their child, and are available to help parents manage their loss. Please ask your child’s nurse for more information.
Interpreters
Call 6-1967 from a hospital phone
Interpreters are available to help patients and families during clinic visits, hospital stays, or other communication with hospital staff. Please request an interpreter at least 24 hours in advance if possible. Services include:
Peer-to-Peer Support
Connecting with people who share similar experiences can be a positive and therapeutic experience for patients and families. Many peer networks and support groups for families are based in the hospital and in communities across Iowa. UI Children’s Hospital’s Family Mentoring Network is a support network and clearinghouse for such groups as:
- The Parent Connection (319-353-8151) provides emotional support to current NICU families. One-on-one support and group activities.
- Heart Friends (6-7316 or 6-4696) is a network for families of children with congenital heart defects.
- Lighthouse SOS (cnielson@lighthousesos.org) is a support network for families affected by pediatric brain and spinal cord tumors.
Please contact University of Iowa Children’s Hospital coordinator of family-centered care (3-7870) for more information.
Pet Therapy
Research has shown that people in stressful medical situations are comforted by pet therapy and may actually see their health improve because of interaction with animals. In some units, the family pet dog or cat may be permitted to visit you.
In some units, a certified dog and handler may be available to visit you. If you are interested, please ask your nurse about the Furry Friends program.
Spiritual Services
Chaplains from the Spiritual Services staff are available to assist you with your spiritual needs, regardless of your religious tradition. To receive spiritual care, please ask your nurse to request a visit from a chaplain. Or you may make the request yourself by calling6-2523 from a hospital phone between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Chaplains are on call 24 hours a day, seven days a week for emergencies. Ask your nurse to page the on-call chaplain (pager 3437). Your own priest, minister, or rabbi is always welcome to visit you while you are here. A 24-hour meditation room is located on level one near Elevator B.
The following religious services are provided in the hospital:
- Protestant Worship – 10:30 a.m. Sunday, East Room (Elevator F, Level 8); televised on Channel 5
- Catholic Mass – 3:30 p.m. Sunday, East Room (Elevator F, Level 8); televised on Channel 5
- Islamic Prayer – 12:30 p.m. Friday, Meditation Room (Elevator B, Level 1)
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