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Children Services and Programs

Babies

Child Life Program

The Child Life Program at Sutter Medical Center of Santa Rosa is designed to alleviate any concerns children and their families may have regarding their child's hospitalization and necessary medical procedures. It is the only such program in Sonoma County. Physicians who recognize a family's apprehension about a child's upcoming hospital stay can refer the family to this program.

Easing the Impact
The Child Life Program's goals are to:

Decrease mental trauma by providing education and emotional support for patients and their families
Help each patient respond positively to treatments
Ease the psychological impact of hospitalization
Meet the patient's ongoing needs for growth and development

The Power of Play
Utilizing medical play techniques, observation and discussion. The Child Life Program at Sutter Medical Center acknowledges and responds to the special needs of children and teens by acquainting them in a relaxed environment with the materials and equipment used in medical procedures. Providing them with an opportunity to express and resolve any fears or misconceptions they may have about their treatment, and providing the medical staff with insights into each patient's individual needs.

Tips For Parents
Listen to your child's concerns.
Be honest about what will happen and what may hurt. Being honest with your child helps build trust.
Stay with your child in the hospital and during the procedures.

Child Life Specialist Services
The Child Life Program at Sutter Medical Center is coordinated by a certified child life specialist whose responsibilities include:

Emotionally preparing the patient for treatments and procedures

Counseling the patient and family

Providing pre-operative educational and diversional activities as appropriate

Accompanying the patient to surgery and through the recovery process

Teaching coping

Tip For Patients:
Ask about things that you don't understand.
If something hurts or you are scared, let a grown up know.
Bring you favorite things from home.

Service Overview
Sutter Medical Center's Child Life Program prepares children and their families for a child's hospitalization through the use of active medical play experiences. The program specialist engages the child in a variety of activities using actual medical equipment and special puppets. She also provides helpful reading materials and helps counsel the family through this difficult time. Child Life services are available to all Sutter Medical Center of Santa Rosa patients under age 18.

For more information, call Sutter Medical Center's Child Life Specialist at (707) 576-4519.

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