This new approach encouraged fathers to become more involved in the birthing and early childhood nurturing processes, marking the first time fathers we re allowed into delivery rooms. Kennell and Marshall continued to publish their findings and to implement new ways to involve and care for families during some of the most difficult times of their lives.
In 1997, Rainbow used the research to demonstrate that children get better when their family is at the bedside 24-7. Rainbow opened a new, eight-story patient care tower completely designed to encourage parents to participate in the medical care of their children. Each patient room of the tower provides a family living area equipped with a private bathroom, sleeping accommodations, the latest in electronics, along with individual kitchen and laundry essentials. In 2002, Rainbow applied the same innovative design to its 20-bed pediatric intensive care unit, providing families the opportunity to “live-in” with their children — even children on ventilation or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
Rainbow offers a comprehensive range of special support programs designed specifically for parents and children. For example, our Child Life Department provides individualized care by specialists trained in child development and patient care to help children and families prepare for the medical experience. Additionally, we operate The Rainbow Channel, an award-winning intra-hospital cable network that furnishes long-distance learning opportunities, videos on demand, educational programming and interactive TV. Developed especially for Rainbow, “ Buddy the Therapy Puppet” makes it easier for children to learn about their illnesses. In addition, our extensive art and music therapy programs, combined with our occupational therapy, physical therapy and speech-language pathology programs, help speed recovery and improve quality of life. |
Our patient care staff featuring more than 500 pediatric nurses, is the vital link between our physicians and patients. If you ask our families what they remember most once they leave the hospital, it is the superb care and the relationship that they have formed with our nurses and support staff. The patient care staff is comprised of dedicated professionals that have the mission of the hospital at heart: To heal, To teach, To discover.
Rainbow’s special attention to the needs of families extend to the special services provided through the Family Resource Center, Family Learning Center and Community Center. Each Center provides families with the opportunity to learn about the best care for their child, while providing a forum in which to share information with other parents.
At the Center for Chronic Conditions of Childhood specialists are demonstrating that comprehensive outpatient programs have the potential to improve both short- and long term outcomes for young patients. Our team of pediatric specialists develop personalized treatment plans for children between the ages of 4 and 17 who suffer from chronic illnesses such as diabetes, asthma and behavioral or growth disorders. These plans help each family manage ongoing medical needs and intermittent complications presented by each disease. Thanks to funding from the Cleveland Foundation, the National Institutes of Health, St. Luke’s Foundation and Kids Health 2000, many of these children receive their treatment plan free of charge. |