The goal of this section is to help you and your family work through this difficult
time and to keep it as stress-free as possible. There are a variety of different
options to help patients and their families relax and better cope with the BMT
process.
|
Playroom
Playrooms are established to facilitate natural and spontaneous play.
Children relax when they play, which helps them better cope with their
fears and hospitalization.
|
|
The PBMT playroom has Nintendo, board games, music, cards, and many other activities
to keep your child busy. We also have child life therapists who come to the
floor during the day to do arts and crafts and other age-appropriate activities
with the children.
|
Relaxation Tapes
Relaxation tapes are available at any time of the day or night on
the PBMT unit. Listen to a variety of soft, relaxing music when you need
to. Ask any nurse how to check out the tapes.
|
|
Patient/Sibling Support Group
This support group is held as needed, dependent on the age and number of
inpatients. Children are able to participate in open activities and talk about
their illness/treatment in a non-stressful environment. The goal is to facilitate
communication of patients and their siblings to better help them cope with the
BMT process.
Parent Support Group
Most people find talking to others who are going through similar experiences
helpful. Parents can discuss and share information on how to handle new experiences
and how these events have affected their family life.
Pastoral Services
The chaplains in the Department of Pastoral Services are available to serve
as your pastors while you are in the hospital. Their ministry is to offer companionship,
support and spiritual care to patients and their relatives. They will offer
communion and other sacraments upon request.
The Department of Pastoral Services is located in C-102 General Hospital and
is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. During office hours,
you may reach a chaplain in two ways:
- Use the bedside phone to call 6-2523. A secretary will take your requests,
or
- Ask your nurse or any staff member to call a chaplain for you.
For emergencies after office hours, a chaplain is on call 24 hours a day and
can be paged by a staff member. Please allow enough time for the chaplain to
travel to the hospital.
Two worship services are held each Sunday in the East Room, Patient and Visitor
Activities Center. (Take Elevator D to the eighth floor, turn left, first hallway
on your left -- follow the signs.)
|
Interfaith Service:
|
10:30 a.m.
|
|
Catholic mass:
|
3:30 p.m.
|
These services are televised.
Feel free to come to worship dressed in hospital attire or usual clothing.
Friends and relatives are welcome. Should you need an escort, have a staff person
call the information desk, 6-2456, giving your name and location or before the
afternoon service, have a staff person page the Catholic chaplain.
Note: Catholic patients unable to attend Mass who wish to receive communion
on Sundays should contact our office during business hours or have the Catholic
chaplain paged.
A meditation room, C-101A General Hospital (first floor, between Elevators
A & B) is available for prayer and solitude. It is open 24 hours a day.
Inside, you will find a literature rack where Bibles and devotional booklets
are available without charge.
|
Churches
Iowa City and Coralville have a variety of churches to choose from.
If you would like to find a supportive church family while your child
is hospitalized, you may either contact Pastoral Services at 356-2523
or your social worker to assist you.
|
|
Candlelighters
The Candlelighters Childhood Cancer Foundation is an international organization
providing support, education, and advocacy programs for families of children
with cancer. Candlelighters service is a clearing house for information relating
to childhood cancer. They publish a free quarterly newsletter.
For more information regarding Candlelighters meetings in your area call 1-800-366-2223.
Social Worker
There is a social worker who is assigned to the PBMT unit. The social worker
is available Monday through Friday for any questions or concerns. Other hospital-assigned
social workers are on call 24 hours a day. They are a great source of aid of
all kinds including help in dealing with emotional aspects of the BMT process.
Field House
The Field House is a recreational facility available to families and patients
as a place to swim, jog, bike and work out. For some parents, this is a great
way to relieve stress.
Hours:
8:00 a.m. - 10:30 p.m. every day.
Location:
East of the Emergency Room (behind the hospital)
Miscellaneous
Parents, keep notes for yourself. You may feel unable to listen or remember
at times. It can be frustrating trying to remember what you've been told about
your child's treatment, drugs and side effects. Write down questions you want
to remember to ask the doctor.
Learn to take one day at a time. Set priorities for what must be done. Spend
quality time with your child. Take time to relax.
Title
Page
|
