Staff is trained to stay current on the skills most used for children, to involve children in their own care and to take special steps to minimize anxiety and pain. A full-time coordinator of play therapy aids physical recovery through play activities. On request, she arranges tours for children in advance of their surgeries. Rooms are designed for children. Cartoon characters adorn walls in the bathroom, sinks are pint size, the carpet has a crayon pattern .
Cots are available for sleep-over parents.
Play rooms offer a wealth of games, toys and videos. There are also portable VCRs, Nintendo sets and an entertainment center which can be rolled to patient rooms for bedridden patients. Play Hospital , a program designed to alleviate fears of being hospitalized in children, is presented each year by Sparks Guild for all area kindergarten students. Special visitors, treats and activities are arranged throughout the year. Children who have birthdays while in the hospital celebrate with a personal cake.