TODAY news - Nov. 21, 2002 - Children's Hospital news

Thursday, November 21, 2002 TODAY

Loma Linda University Children's Hospital news

Fourth Annual Cops for Kids Fly-in ushers in early Christmas cheer for LLUCH patients

Rolando Orozco, a 3-year-old patient, gets a first hand look at the cockpit of the helicopter landed on the north lawn.

On Tuesday, November 5, helicopters from police departments across Southern California flew into the San Bernardino International Airport, landing at Blue’s Aviation loaded with toys for children at Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital.

The event—co-hosted by the San Bernardino County Sheriff’s office, the Riverside Police, and the Riverside County Sheriff’s departments—is the end result of toy drives at various police departments culminating in a spectacular delivery to the Children’s Hospital. Thirty-six police officers from agencies across Southern California, including the Los Angeles Police Department, filled vans with toys to caravan to the Children’s Hospital. A motorcycle escort of four officers lead the procession from the airport to the hospital.

The law enforcement officials brought more than enough toys for every young patient. And they provided many more smiles.

One of the biggest smile producers was the special landing made on the north lawn. For the first time since its inception, the Riverside Police Department landed a helicopter onsite at the hospital. Children’s Hospital patients were able to get an up-close and personal look at the Riverside Police Department helicopter, flown by Officer Don Miskulin

Sgt. Gary Colley, of the Monterey Park Police Department Air Support Unit, was inspired to organize the drive after his daughter, Megan, was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma on June 10, 1999. While Megan was being treated at the Children’s Hospital, Sgt. Colley noticed that some of the patients came from single-parent families and might benefit from some additional support. So he and his fellow air support officers organized the Cops for Kids Fly-in, and the first event took place in December 1999.

The toy drive and spectacular delivery were organized by Sgt. Jeff Werblun, a pilot for the San Joaquin County Sheriff’s Department and director of the Cops for Kids Fly-in, now a non-profit organization.

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Stork Connection program offers continuity of care for expectant mothers

At the Stork Connection, an obstetrical health-care team under case management at Loma Linda University Medical Center, expectant mothers can learn about their pregnancy. The program, begun in 1998 as a requirement for MediCal contracts, focuses on identification and early intervention of problems during pregnancy. Designed for low-income mothers but open to all, the program includes assessments and reassessments of patients during each trimester.

During these visits, which also offer treatment and intervention in the areas of obstetrics, nutrition, health education, and psychosocial services, the patients will spend time with a case manager who is a registered nurse. A special aspect of the Stork Connection is the continuity provided for by the program. The prenatal medical providers are the same people who provide intrapartum services, the postpartum examination, and subsequent birth control services.

“The continuity for the mom is the best thing about the program,” says Cristel McRae, RN, PHN, nurse manager for the Stork Connection. “Because when you’re pregnant these days you don’t always get to see the same people. Here we can spend quality and quantity time with these moms. We can build trust with them.”

This helps create a foundation for knowledge and support needed to promote a healthy pregnancy.

“I believe that knowledge is power,” says Ms. McRae. “If you empower a mom today, you provide her success for a lifetime.”

Patients are referred by their doctor’s office to the program. Once enrolled, the case managers follow their patients until 60 days postpartum. The average mom is in the program for about eight months, says Ms. McRae.

Patients are guaranteed an early pregnancy class focusing on the trimester changes, when to call the doctor, and how to deal with the emotional and nutritional aspects of pregnancy. Patients also get a child seat safety class, and once they have graduated as a “Stork Connection Mom,” they receive a free car seat. Other classes are available through referrals from the case managers depending on each patients’ needs. Some insurances cover all costs for the Stork Connection. But the program is open to all expectant mothers, in both English and Spanish.

“There are not many places and people that are willing to teach and provide materials in Spanish, but I am glad the Stork Connection is providing this service to a section of the population that really needs it,” wrote Betty L. Esquivel, a Stork Connection mom after she graduated from the program.

Christie Kaiser, another Stork Connection mom, appreciated the motivation to keep herself healthy during her pregnancy because of the Stork Connection.

“I really appreciate the guidance and support they gave me. Taking care of expectant moms benefits everyone in the long run,” says Ms. Kaiser, whose daughter Kameryn was born in June.

Overall, the Stork Connection provides a united effort between physician and the health-care team to continue the hospital’s mission “to make man whole,” while also increasing patient satisfaction. The primary goal of the program is to provide mothers with the knowledge they need to contribute to better outcomes for future generations.

Information can be found at any of the hospital’s clinics, including the Social Action Community Health System at Norton, 1455 E. 3rd Street, near the San Bernardino International Airport, and the Faculty Medical Offices located at 11370 Anderson Street, Loma Linda. Or call (909) 558-7277.

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Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital throws costume party

Jessica Pineda, a 1-year-old patient, dresses as Pooh Bear for the Children’s Hospital costume party on October 31.

On October 31, the Loma Linda University Children’s Hospital department of Child Life hosted a costume party for all of the patients. Those who were able came to the 1830 and 1832 conference rooms to take part in the fun, games, and candy offered by 18 different booths.

The Children’s Hospital patients were treated to bowling, mini-basketball, a bean-bag toss, and lots of smiles. The older patients had the chance to take a trip through the haunted mansion set up in the clinical lab. Inside they learned all about Jello® and it’s many forms.

Patients unable to come down to the party had bags of goodies delivered to them in their rooms upstairs.

Departments supporting the party included LLUMC pharmacy; chaplain services; pediatric ECHO/observation; transplant; nursing resources; health information management; case management; gift shop; volunteer services; MC administration; Children’s Hospital administration; patient relations; admitting; nutritional services; Learning Resource Center; cardiology; occupational and speech therapy; and the clinical lab.

Dinah Evans, MS, CCLS, director of child life services, coordinated the event. “I would like to acknowledge the departments involved with the Halloween Festival on October 31,” says Ms. Evans. “In appreciation for the departments who participated and handed out goodies: Thanks. And special thanks go to Kathy Southern, who decorated for the festival.”

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Thursday, November 21, 2002 TODAY