HEROES Caring for them, with kindness - THE MAGAZINE OF CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL NEW ORLEANS | WINTER 2020 - Children's Hospital New ...
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HEROES
T H E M AGA Z I N E O F CH I L D R E N’S H OSP I TA L N E W O R L E A NS | WINTER 2020
Caring
for them,
with
kindness
Jazz Fest art installation provides a warm welcome for patients and families.
Contents
FOREWORD 2
John R. Nickens IV
President & CEO
NEWS 3
Extraordinary Together
Board of Trustees updates
New Chief Experience Officer
Historic cottage restoration
Topping out ceremony
Ronald McDonald House partnership
FEATURES 8
The patient experience
Innovating pediatric neurosciences
INSIDE CHILDREN’S 14
Patient Family Advisory Council
Our Palliative Care program
PHILANTHROPY 16
Three grants
New Child Life center
Smoothie King climbing wall
Spirit of Children
STATS 20
2019 by the numbers
H ERO ES | Winter 2020 1
Foreword
JOHN R. NICKENS IV, PRESIDENT & CEO
HEROES
Winter 2020, Volume 2, No. 1 Friends and supporters,
It is a privilege to share the second edition of Children’s
Editor
Hospital New Orleans’ HEROES magazine with you. 2019 was
Kristen Robinson
a year of investment and many exciting achievements for
Associate Editor Children’s Hospital as we transform pediatric healthcare for
Lynnsey Belsome Louisiana and the Gulf South.
Photographers
Now more than halfway through our campus transformation effort,
Mike Palumbo the façade of our future campus is taking shape, but even more exciting are the
Frank Aymami people and programs that we are investing in to deliver a healthier, happier future for
Seth Binstead
our children and community.
Sigl Creative
Last May, we launched new brands across the LCMC Health family – celebrating
Contributing Writers the “little extras” that make our health system and people so extraordinary. In
Lynnsey Belsome
September, we built upon the excitement of our new brand with the formal launch of
Leslie Cardè
Debbie Grant Extraordinary Together: The Campaign for Louisiana’s Children. Our capital fundraising
Mary Mouton campaign invites the community to join our mission to build a better tomorrow for
Kristen Robinson all kids and only kids. With the goal to raise $40 million by 2025, the funds raised
Mike Strecker
Dean Shapiro
through The Campaign for Louisiana’s Children will enable Children’s Hospital to bring
innovation to pediatric healthcare for the state of Louisiana. You’ll read more about
Editorial Board the campaign in the pages that follow.
Lynnsey Belsome
Special Events Manager
This issue of HEROES will tell stories about the patient and family experience,
and how we’re amplifying care delivery with the patient and family at the center. As
Jonathan Brouk
Vice President, Strategy a hospital dedicated to caring only for kids, we offer leading pediatric medicine in
Robert Gassiot
Creative Director, LCMC Health
Cathleen Randon
Development Officer
Kristen Robinson
Director, Marketing and Communications
Matthew Schaefer
Senior Vice President and
Chief Operating Officer
Marykay Thevis
Communications Specialist
Jamie Wiggins
Senior Vice President and
Chief Nursing Officer an environment that allows patients to heal and thrive while still being kids! With the
support of generous donors and community partners who share our vision, we’re not
President & Chief Executive Officer
just treating illnesses, we’re delivering best-in-class healthcare for kids while taking
John R. Nickens IV
care of the entire family.
Chief Medical Officer Last fall, we announced a new partnership with Ronald McDonald House Charities
George Bisset, MD that will relocate and expand their program to the Children’s Hospital campus,
expanding housing and resources for families in need. Our patients are also now
driving to procedures in luxury motorized cars for kids thanks to the generosity of our
friends at JR Motors. These are two great examples of Extraordinary Together, and
how we can deliver more for our patients and families thanks to the generosity of
our community. There is nothing more important than investing in our future, and our
children are our future. Thank you for being part of extraordinary!
200 Henry Clay Ave.
New Orleans, LA 70118 With gratitude,
chnola.org
504.899.9511 John R. Nickens IV
President and Chief Executive Officer
Children’s Hospital New Orleans
2 H ERO ES | Winter 2020
News
Extraordinary Together:
The Campaign for Louisiana’s Children
From the moment a child arrives to the
hospital’s campus, at the garage or the
skybridge, inside exam rooms, surgical
suites, and hospital rooms, they are
beneficiaries of an exceptional team
effort by a vast network of volunteers,
families, donors, and friends. It is
truly “Extraordinary Together,” and a
fitting title for the hospital’s recently
announced $40 million Campaign for
Louisiana’s Children.
“The Campaign for Louisiana’s
Children is not only about the physical
transformation and investment
being made on our campus,” John
Nickens explained at the September 26
campaign launch celebration. “It’s
about our ability to impact the total
wellbeing of kids and families. Our vision
is to change the face of healthcare for
all children.”
Children’s Hospital is well on its
way to doing that, with the campus
transformation now more than 50
percent complete, including the
opening of the Betty and Hank
Lauricella Pavilion and the soon-to-
open Behavioral Health Center, the only
psychiatric program in the Gulf Coast experience with a Wellness Campus,
region exclusively dedicated to the Palliative Care, and expanded Child
mental health needs of children and Life programs, to name just a few of the
adolescents in crisis, made possible campaign’s priorities.
with support from the Goldring and So far, over $19 million has been
Woldenberg Foundations. A new, four- raised toward the campaign’s goal.
story medical tower for multi-specialty “We hope you will join us in advocating
programs and outpatient services will for and investing in the most important
open in phases beginning in early 2020. piece of our future — our children,”
Louellen Berger shares why she
The campaign is paving the way Nickens said.
and husband Darryl have chosen to
for innovations in care that include all By the end of 2021, the uptown support Extraordinary Together at the
private patient rooms, a new 28-bed campus will have added 230,000 September 26 campaign launch dinner.
Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, 45-bed square feet of new clinical care space
Emergency Center, New Surgery Center, and expanded innovative programs to
and Comprehensive Cancer Center. provide unmatched pediatric expertise
It will allow the hospital to focus more for all children and only children. This is
deeply on the patient and family Extraordinary Together.
H ERO ES | Winter 2020 3
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Children’s Longtime children’s advocate Kaylea Hill
and local television executive Tod Smith
speaks volumes to the commitment
Children’s has to providing comfort not
Hospital
have been appointed to the Children’s only to the patient, but to the loved
Hospital Board of Trustees. ones as well. It is humbling to be a part
New Orleans
Inspired by the passion and of such a supportive and loving facility,”
vision of the hospital’s CEO, John R. Kaylea said. “We are so lucky to have
Board of
Nickens IV, both Kaylea and Tod have this wonderful hospital in the city I love.”
enthusiastically embraced their new Kaylea also serves on the boards of
positions on the hospital’s 12-member the Louisiana Children’s Museum and Le
Trustees board; Kaylea as a member of the
subcommittee that oversees the
Petit Theatre.
Joining the board at Children’s
adds two hospital’s community benefit programs,
and Tod as a member of the finance
was a homecoming of sorts for Tod
Smith, who is the President and General
community and development subcommittees.
For Kaylea, who grew up in a medical
Manager of WWL-TV and WUPL-TV. He
and current Board Chair Tony Recasner
standouts family, association with a hospital is an
extension of her upbringing. She earned
were classmates at Loyola University
New Orleans.
her undergraduate degree in journalism “When I returned to New Orleans, I
from the University of Georgia and reconnected with Tony and met John
her M.Ed. in early Nickens. I listened to John’s vision and
childhood education it just fell into place,” said Tod. “There is
from the University a culture of caring and success at the
of Alabama at hospital, and the hospital’s leadership is
Birmingham (UAB). committed to providing the best care to
Before moving the children in the region, while focusing
to New Orleans with on being a top hospital for children in
husband, Hunter, and the United States.”
their three children, Tod grew up in New Orleans and
Kaylea spent many is a graduate of St. Augustine High
Kaylea Hill Tod Smith hours volunteering School and Northwestern University’s
at Clinic 8 — an Kellogg School of Management, where
outpatient clinic for he concentrated in Management
kids with cancer and blood disorders — Development for Television Executives,
at UAB Children’s Hospital. Her primary in addition to earning his degree in
duty was helping family members pass management at Loyola University.
the long hours while their loved one was Together with wife, Kenya, Tod
being treated. has long had an interest in volunteering
“After witnessing firsthand the at nonprofit organizations that work
added stress that traveling for a child’s with youth in the community. He also
treatment can put on a family, the serves on the boards of Covenant
beautiful enviroment that Children’s House, Volunteers of America, and
provides for the families of patients the United Way.
4 H ERO ES | Winter 2020
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New Chief Historic cottage
Experience takes a turn
Officer brings
“passion and
humanity”
Scott Macicek, MD
Chief Experience Officer
Children’s Hospital New Orleans
PHOTO CREDIT: Sigl Creative for the Davie Shoring project
Children’s Hospital Senior Vice While the Chief Experience Officer The Children’s Hospital campus is rich
President and Chief Operating is a new role, the patient and family with history, including buildings like this
Officer Matt Schaefer had one goal as experience has always been central to creole cottage, originally constructed in
he led a search for the hospital’s first- the mission of Children’s Hospital. the 1830s. A generous gift from Nancy
ever Chief Experience Officer. “All of us are part of it,” Schaefer and Dr. Stephen Hales has ensured it will
“We wanted someone who said. “But we have not had someone last for years to come. After shoring up
wakes up every day and thinks about of Scott’s experience and caliber who the building, crews carefully rotated it to
the patient and family, and how to has a unique passion for this work, and sit perpendicular to Tchoupitoulas Street
optimize their experience,” he said. who will be continually challenging our and Henry Clay Avenue. This was not the
Schaefer could barely contain his organization to be the best it can be first time this cottage has moved. It was
excitement as he described finding for patients and families.” relocated to the corner of the property
the perfect candidate for this new Macicek, the father of six children, during the construction of the Marine
and crucial position in Dr. Scott heads a growing team of professionals Hospital 85 years ago. Restoration will
Macicek. The experience Macicek, a focused on optimizing the patient and now begin on the building as a special
native of Lafayette, Louisiana and a family experience. part of the campus expansion.
graduate of LSU School of Medicine, “Healthcare is going through
has gained over more than 12 years tremendous transition, and I was
working in pediatric cardiology was a drawn by the opportunity to be part
major factor in his selection, according of an incredible leadership team and
to Schaefer. organization that is singularly focused
“Here is someone who can speak on improving care for children in
at eye level to both children and their Louisiana,” said Macicek. “As Children’s
families,” Schaefer notes. “Someone Chief Experience Officer, I hope to offer
who is used to sitting in front of families our patients and families a world-class
when there is good news or when the experience at every point of contact.”
prognosis is difficult news to share.”
PHOTO CREDIT: Sigl Creative for the Davie Shoring project
H ERO ES | Winter 2020 5
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Topping out the new medical tower
Did you know that a magnolia tree X-rays. In April, the tree was planted outpatient center, a lobby and
was perched four stories above the on the campus as a symbol of the registration center, a new 8,570
Children’s Hospital campus? A crane hospital’s unwavering commitment to sq. ft. Neurosciences Clinic, expanded
gingerly positioned the tree last spring, create a healthier tomorrow. ENT Clinic, and 12-suite Hogs for the
as the final beam was placed on the When completed in 2021, the Cause Family Center. Look for the new
new medical tower, marking a major 230,000-square-foot medical tower will Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, Surgery
milestone in the hospital’s $300 million be the centerpiece of Children’s $300 Center, and all new on-campus dining
expansion. The tradition of “topping million transformation. The tower will to open in the medical tower this year.
out” a construction project dates back expand emergency services by adding
to the ancient Scandinavians with the 17 examination rooms to
placement of a symbolic tree at a new the current 29. More rooms
structure’s tallest point. means doctors can see
The Children’s magnolia tree was patients sooner, reducing
tied with special wishes for the future wait times. Significant
from patients, then raised to the highest campus improvements
point of the new structure which will to date include the
house 12 operating rooms, a new beautiful Betty and Hank
Cardiac Intensive Care Unit with 28 Lauricella Pavilion which
private rooms, and a pediatric radiology is connected to a multi-
imaging suite with updated technology level parking garage with
for CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, and skybridge, an enhanced
6 H ERO ES | Winter 2020
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Ronald McDonald House and Children’s Hospital
New Orleans partner to expand family housing
When children have to be hospitalized, funded by Children’s Hospital and benefit for the families who
families can wind up spending weeks Ronald McDonald House Charities, will stay here.”
or even months away from home so bring family members within walking Whitworth added, “One of the
they can be near their children. It can distance of their hospitalized children. benefits of partnering with Ronald
be very stressful, as well as costly and It will provide 24 family living McDonald House Charities is
inconvenient, for parents and children. units with a wide range that they are nationwide.
Ronald McDonald House Charities of amenities, including The Ronald They do these houses
provides places for families to stay close cooking facilities, private McDonald House all over the country,
to their children at little or no cost. And bathrooms, and more. partnering with children’s
soon, the Ronald McDonald House New With those 24
will consist of hospitals, and they
Orleans program will relocate to the units added to the 12 24 family know how to run their
Children’s campus. Plans were unveiled existing family suites at living units programs. They will be
in early October for the renovation the Hogs for the Cause bringing that expertise
and repurposing of two 1930s-era Family Center, there will be here with them.”
buildings on hospital property between close to 40 total living units on Founded in 1974, Ronald
Henry Clay Avenue and State Street. the Children’s Hospital campus when the McDonald Houses now total 368
Construction is set to begin in 2020. new Ronald McDonald House opens. programs in 64 countries, providing
Ronald McDonald House has been “We’re really excited about putting over 7,200 total bedrooms to families.
operating in New Orleans since 1983. these two historic structures to use,” Donations are requested from those
The current, 15-unit facility on Canal said Benjamin Whitworth, Vice President using the facilities but there is no fixed
Street near City Park is a 25-minute of Hospital Operations for Children’s fee, and those who can least afford it
shuttle bus ride from Children’s. The Hospital. “Having the convenience of may be allowed to stay for free.
new Ronald McDonald House at being able to walk from the house to
Children’s, a $6 million project jointly the hospital is going to be an immense
H ERO ES | Winter 2020 7
The Patient
Experience
As the voiced melodies intertwine with the strumming guitar inside the music therapy
room at Children’s Hospital, it doesn’t take long before it’s clear that the familiar chorus
has morphed into a refrain that is something quite personal.
In fact, the lyrics have been custom-tailored to the patient who’s now sitting
in a wheelchair after narrowly surviving a horrific car accident.
“I’ve been told I was conscious in the ambulance but didn’t know where
I was,” remembers 17-year old Krissa Flores, who’s very lucky to be alive.
“When I came to and regained my memory, the doctors told me they
were going to have to remove my left leg and put rods and screws in
my broken right ankle. Beyond that, I broke my femur, my pelvis, and
my back, when my car careened off the road into a light post.”
The lyrics to the song Krissa and her music therapists are singing
is from “The Middle,” and the words really seem to hit home. “It just
takes some time, little girl you’re in the middle of the ride. Everything,
everything will be just fine.” It all revolves around the school of
thought that if you can see it, you can be it. And, it’s one of many
inspirational ways in which utilizing the arts in therapy is enhancing
the patient experience, and ultimately helping heal those children
who are affected by everything from cancer and genetic diseases to
traumatic injuries.
Child Life and Creative Therapies fall under the umbrella of Patient
Experience and involve making every patient and family interaction
a positive experience. That philosophy extends to every team member
throughout the hospital, from the doctors making rounds to the cafeteria staff
serving food. It involves everyone who plays a part in enhancing the experience of
patients in this hospital and their families.
8 H ERO ES | Winter 2020“When John Nickens, our CEO, came That take-charge culture permeates things like if families feel respected and
to the hospital a couple of years ago, the hospital and requires tapping into if they like the food.
he brought with him a new culture,” the thoughts and feelings of both This program has been so successful
says René Guilbeau, Director of Patient patients and parents. And, how better that the hospital has been awarded
Experience, Child Life, and Creative to know just what they think than to the Excellence Award for patient
Therapies at Children’s Hospital New utilize questionnaires and surveys to satisfaction scores by NRC Health,
Orleans. “He believes it’s everyone’s keep abreast of what’s going on within twice! Children’s Hospital New Orleans
responsibility to say something when you every floor of the hospital and respond was in competition with every other
see something. So, it’s our responsibility with continuous improvements and pediatric hospital in the country for this
to ask people from the get-go if they infinite attention to detail. coveted award, and has proven, once
need help, to explain how the system Patient surveys give the kind of again, that delivering extraordinary
works before problems arise, and to feedback that is the impetus for healthcare, providing exceptional
try to give families an overall excellent change. Based on feedback from experiences, and remediating issues
experience. This means that employees patients and families, the hospital gains when the hospital doesn’t live up to
take ownership of their own ideas and insight into the patient experience from its own self-imposed standards of
decision making. We like to say ‘proceed start to finish. What is their preferred excellence is the difference between a
until apprehended’ because as long style of communication? Are they good hospital and a great one.
as you’re doing something in the best receiving information related to their The Patient Family Advisory Council
interest of the patient and the family, child’s care when and how they want (PFAC) is another example of how
you can’t go wrong.” to receive it? Surveys also help gauge Children’s is placing the needs of its
H ERO ES | Winter 2020 9patients and families first. The PFAC board. When patients come into a “Children do better when treatments
is known throughout the halls of the playroom and interact with me as we are explained to them,” says Guilbeau.
hospital. The council is comprised of ten make art projects, these works of art “They understand everything on their
parents of current or former patients, end up on the walls of the hospital, own level. Kids adapt to new things very
who advocate on behalf of all patients which gives a sense of pride to many readily, especially when they feel like
in the hospital. After all, who knows the of our long-term patients, or frequent they are a part of the process. We have
patients better than their own families? flyers, as we affectionately call even integrated virtual reality tools into
Whether it’s safety priorities, fine-tuning those who routinely visit the hospital our teaching techniques. It’s just one
construction plans, or picking out kid- for dialysis or cancer treatments. item in our bag of tricks that we employ
friendly furniture, everything is geared Sometimes you have to figure out to teach our children in the way that
toward being the best possible hospital what medium works best for a patient they individually understand.”
for the children. Serving on the PFAC is to get out of his headspace with his In that vein, major efforts are being
a two-year commitment on the part illness and into a creative space. It may made to use technology to enable
of the parents and involves working on take a sketch pad and pencils, it may healthcare providers to engage in
the Patient Family Handbook, which mean molding a piece of clay, or even diagnostic procedures for children
provides the answers to frequently asked teaching them how to sew or knit. I without sedation. This happens
questions about a child’s stay in the was in a patient’s room just last week by motivating children with joyful
hospital, including everything from the making origami cranes.” incentives. Imagine you’re a six-year-
basics of infection control, to financial old going to your
services, spiritual support, and even chemo treatment.
dietary needs. The council makes rounds “ Children do better when treatments are But, instead of
through the hospital to talk to other explained to them. They understand on being pushed in a
families every other month and is even
their own level. Kids adapt to new things wheelchair to your
working on computer and phone apps infusion, you drive
which will make life easier for patients. very readily, especially when they feel yourself in a mini-
When it comes to supporting the like they are part of the process. ” Mercedes to your
children, those who work in the Child appointment. Last
Life arena believe that patients should September, JR
be empowered to understand their What’s just as important, Connelly Motors donated small luxury motorized
own illnesses, no matter what their age, says, is giving a child a choice, which in vehicles for kids that can be driven
bringing healthcare education to a level and of itself is empowering. around the hospital by the patients to
at which it’s easily understood. So, if a “I’m going in as the creative art and from their own treatments. And
small child is to receive an IV, a teddy lady, the friend,” says Connelly. “I’m while the children are navigating the
bear will get one first so that the patient someone you can kick out of your room hallways, they’re being cheered on by
understands ahead of time what’s at any time, or tell me you’re tired of doctors, nurses, and other patients
going to happen, and is, therefore, less doing something. I’m the person who along the corridors who know they’ve
fearful. It’s all about feeling in charge comes in and asks if you’re interested in just witnessed something really special.
of one’s own treatment, whether you’re doing one project or another, and you It’s been an overwhelming hit with the
eight or eighteen. And that message get to say ‘no’ if you’re not in the mood. patients, and mom and dad know
of being in charge of your own domain Many times kids don’t get to say ‘no’ that what could have been a stressful
even extends to the art program within to anything else within the treatment treatment has been turned into a
the hospital. setting of the hospital.” memorable moment their child will never
“If you own the space you’re in and Studies have shown that engaging forget. Play is a real game-changer,
have a connection to it, then you feel in a creative process like music, art, or and ultimately therapeutic.
comfortable being a part of it,” says even play therapy can change your “We’ve taken away the negative
Julie Connelly, an Arts in Healthcare mood, your perspective on life, and thoughts about getting a particular
specialist with the hospital. “I have a ultimately improve your treatment procedure and turned it into something
background in art, running different outcome. And, at Children’s Hospital associated with fun,” says Guilbeau.
programs for museums and schools, New Orleans, every effort is being made “Kids understand that there is a reward
so when Children’s saw the value to alleviate the anxiety for children that for cooperating while undergoing an
of bringing art into the healthcare so often comes with the unknowns of MRI or CT scan. And the reward for
environment, I was immediately on any treatment regimen. holding still in the imaging unit is the
10 H ERO ES | Winter 2020absolute delight in driving that car back bed simulating a drawbridge. The high above the street, you’ll notice
to their room. It sounds simple, but it’s five innovative themes for the new flowers and butterflies floor-to-ceiling,”
about relating to children at a level that equipment were picked by asking says Connelly. “These pieces of art
they understand, and that’s what sets children at the hospital what they’d like leading into the Lauricella Pavilion were
a hospital like Children’s apart from one to experience. made by kids at Jazz Fest. So, rather
that caters to adults.” “The noise in an MRI, even for adults, than entering a sterile clinical space, kids
The numbers speak for themselves. can be uncomfortably loud,” says walk into an open-air garden of sorts.”
Through August of 2019, 228 young Guilbeau. “And, for a child, it can be It’s a team effort and the employees
patients (or 18% of those undergoing downright scary. But, we recently had a are excited about being involved in a
imaging) were able to complete their teaching session with a 9-year-old here shifting culture where above all else
radiology study without sedation. at the hospital who needed an MRI. The they are putting themselves in the
This represents a 52% increase in the day beforehand we explained how the shoes of those they are treating, and
percentage from the same period magnets work to get body images, understanding the experience from a
in 2018, as a direct result of patient and suddenly everything was cool and kid’s perspective.
coordination with the Child Life teams. the child had a positive awareness of Patient advocacy is not a new
Taking the premise one step his treatment during his entire time at concept, but at Children’s Hospital New
further, General Electric is now creating the hospital.” Orleans, delivering that “little something
an “Adventure Series” for imaging We’re focused on catering extra” to create a partnership between
equipment that is totally kid-friendly. On everything to the patient and his or her patients and those caring for them
the horizon for 2020, expect to see CT family, at every level imaginable. And, it means creating an environment
scanners that look like spaceships set begins when you walk from the parking that provides a win-win situation
in rooms that are painted to replicate garage into the hospital itself. for everyone… most importantly, the
outer space. Or an MRI machine that “From the moment you exit the patients whose wellbeing depends on it.
looks like a castle, with the entry elevator and stroll across the Skybridge
H ERO ES | Winter 2020 11Children’s Hospital supports the growth of specialized
pediatric neurological services with the opening of a new
and expanded Pediatric Neurosciences Clinic
Children’s Hospital New Orleans further peripheral nerve and muscle diseases, provided exclusively to children,” says
solidified its place as the Gulf South’s and intensive rehabilitation for Dr. Ann Tilton, Pediatric Neurologist
leader in pediatric neurosciences with patients with brain and spinal cord and Neurology Service Line Chief at
the opening of a new Neurosciences injuries. Children’s Hospital is the Children’s Hospital. Children’s Hospital
Clinic staffed by a highly specialized only center in the state of Louisiana has invested in innovative pediatric
team that includes eight pediatric- to provide comprehensive pediatric neuroscience care that attracts
trained neurologists and two pediatric headache management by two board- patients from all over Louisiana and
trained neurosurgeons. The expanded certified headache neurologists. the Gulf region. Children’s was the first
8,570 sq. ft. Neurosciences Clinic is an “With six clinic rooms, four dedicated in Louisiana to use the ROSA® robotic
integral part of the hospital’s $300 electroencephalogram (EEG)/sleep device to perform computer-guided,
million campus transformation. Doctors study rooms, and three procedure- minimally-invasive procedures to treat
and staff provide multidisciplinary based rooms, the new clinic further children with severe epilepsy. In
care for patients with cerebral palsy, advances the skilled neurologic care January, the Rosa® was used in a
12 H ERO ES | Winter 2020Opposite page: The
new entrance to the
Neurosciences Clinic.
Left: The Neurosciences
team celebrates the
opening of its new clinic
with a ribbon cutting
celebration.
Below: Neurosciences
Clinic reception area
provides a warm
welcome for families.
procedure that finally stopped a specialists focus
20-year-old’s daily seizures. exclusively on
“Being Extraordinary Together children with experts
is exemplified by our investments in for all matters related
infrastructure and technology, along to the brain, now housed
with the unmatched expertise of our in a state-of-the-art clinical
pediatric-trained neurologists and environment.”
neurosurgeons. That is unique and
impactful for the state of Louisiana,”
said John R. Nickens IV, President and
Chief Executive Officer at Children’s
Hospital New Orleans. “Our neuroscience
H ERO ES | Winter 2020 13Inside Children’s
Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC) gives kids a voice
Feedback from patients is crucial, both
to their successful healing and to the
success of any healthcare organization.
But what about patients who haven’t
yet found their voices? What about the
ones who are too shy or too small to
speak for themselves?
That’s where the Patient Family
Advisory Council (PFAC) at Children’s
Hospital New Orleans enters the
conversation. The PFAC was founded
in 2017, when hospital leadership
recognized the need for a uniform,
structured means to gather the
invaluable insights and perspectives of
patients and their families.
“Patients and parents see and
experience the hospital with different
eyes than we do, and we wanted to
understand how they experienced The Children’s Hospital Patient Family Advisory Council
it. We wanted to understand how we
could make it better for them,” says
members also discussed plans for an includes hospital staff members and a
Jamie Wiggins, Senior Vice President
upcoming holiday party for patients, hospital board member. In focusing on
and Chief Nursing Officer. “Our patients
efforts to gather more feedback from the care and wellbeing of patients, the
and families are stressed and scared
Children’s outpatient clinic, and making PFAC considers the patient experience
enough. We want to do as much as
online resources available for parents. in a holistic manner.
possible so they can focus solely on
“While we help in many areas, our “We have played a role in everything
their child’s needs.”
primary purpose is to serve as a liaison from space design decisions down
Input from the 11-member PFAC team
between patients and their families to the cafeteria menu,” said Upshaw,
has been instrumental at Children’s,
and hospital administration, and to whose daughter became a patient at
resulting in alterations to the design
help improve patient experiences,” says Children’s when she was diagnosed with
of rooms and other aspects of the
Paul Upshaw, chairman of the PFAC, T-cell leukemia.
hospital’s ongoing expansion, as well as
who describes the group as a vital “They saved my daughter’s life,
changes to the hospital-provided Family
link between children and healthcare and the kindness and care made a
Information Tips Sheet and new Patient/
providers. traumatic experience bearable for
Family Handbook. The PFAC successfully
“We do rounding (visiting patients’ our family. Serving on the PFAC is an
lobbied for healthier snacks for patients
rooms) to gather feedback from patients opportunity for me to give back,” he
and families, and engaged in discussions
and/or their families, and provide that says. “In many hospitals, patients don’t
regarding family needs and the use
feedback to the administration so they have a voice. We proactively work with
of technology to improve the patient
can make improvements, recognize patients and their families to give them
experience.
exceptional staff, and correct problems a voice, so that the hospital can make
The council is currently working to
quickly,” Upshaw says. informed decisions on how to better
provide transitional care information
The PFAC team is composed mostly serve them.”
for Children’s patients as they
of parents and other family members
transition from pediatric care to adult
of patients or former patients, but also
physicians. At a recent PFAC meeting,
14 H ERO ES | Winter 2020Special deliveries from the Pelican Krewe
When a child and family are faced
with a serious illness or injury, the
Children’s Hospital Pelican Krewe is
there, providing advanced palliative
care. Below, Dr. Alexis Morvant, the
Krewe’s medical director, shares her
thoughts on how her team works
together to make every single day the
best possible.
Some might say the Pelican Krewe
has a sad job as we care for children
and their families grappling with serious
illnesses. That’s not how we see it.
We have the honor to bear witness
to incredible stories of strength and
perseverance; and most importantly, we
get to figure out what “fun” may look like
for families who want to make the most
Patient Raine Brady and family visit Audubon Aquarium this summer for a special experience
of what may be their child’s last days.
The Pelican Krewe is
philanthropically supported and gives smile I have ever seen. Challenge It took nine Children’s Hospital
us the flexibility to think creatively. accepted! Through an amazing multi- volunteers, including doctors, respiratory
Sometimes we use the funds to throw team effort between the transport therapists, social workers, and more,
parties for patients stuck in the hospital team, NICU, nursing, respiratory team, to coordinate with the Aquarium’s staff
on special days, to provide clothing and the Pelican Krewe, we were able to to transport Raine, ensuring that her
for those who left their homes for an bring this precious baby boy with his hat comfort was our highest priority. It
unexpected admission, for zoo tickets and Mickey Mouse sunglasses outside was a four-hour experience for the
for family members to restore normalcy, for the first time. He received high family, where they enjoyed a steak
and in the gravest situations, to help intensive support: tracheostomy with dinner from Houston’s Restaurant
defray funeral expenses. high ventilator settings, multiple IV drips, under the Aquarium’s Mayan tunnel
and high dose symptom management as divers fed the fish above them. It
Outside for the first time to ensure extreme comfort. The was the first time Raine’s family was all
At the time, Kayden was a 14-month- coordination of his care and teamwork together since February, due to Raine’s
old boy who had spent his entire life were outstanding. Afterwards, his mom prolonged hospitalization. It was a truly
in the Neonatal ICU because of his said gratefully, “CHNOLA gave us the magical experience.
prematurity. He was nearing end of best day of our lives.” The Pelican Krewe is expanding
life and his mother lovingly chose to thanks to enormous support from
protect him from escalating intensive A visit to the Aquarium
the hospital’s administration and
interventions. Due to circumstances Raine Brady is a precious 4-year-old
the LSU Department of Pediatrics. It
out of our control, Kayden would be little girl who was born with a rare
reflects a genuine understanding that
experiencing end of life in our hospital. genetic illness, Mucolipidosis type II,
providing the best care possible for a
Our palliative care team suggested which will cause her life to be short
child includes a strong palliative care
to his mom that perhaps taking Kayden despite our best medical efforts. When
program that supports families in unique
outside for the first time would be a thinking about what living well looks like
ways during their most emotional time.
special experience. When mom heard to Raine, her mom shared they hoped to
By: Alexis Morvant, MA, MD
those words, she suddenly started one day bring her to the aquarium and
Pediatric Palliative Care
jumping up and down with the biggest to have dinner as a family.
H ERO ES | Winter 2020 15Philanthropy
Three cheers Talking to children before they are able Thanks to a generous
2
to talk back is a surefire, but sometimes grant from the Charles
for three overlooked, way to boost brain development and Elizabeth
and ensure future success in school and Wetmore Foundation,
grants for life. Encouraging and educating parents the team of nurses,
patients, of young children about the power of such
language nutrition, along with helping
social workers,
respiratory therapists,
families, and ventilator-dependent patients and their and educators with Children’s Ventilator
families live freer, fuller lives and making sure Assisted Care Program can continue to
the community kids get their proper immunizations were provide ventilator-dependent children
the driving forces behind three major grants and their families with ongoing training
Children’s Hospital received in 2019. and support in equipment care, nutrition,
transportation needs, scheduling
Kohl’s Cares extended
appointments, and numerous other
1
funding for the “Talking is
challenges and opportunities for children
Teaching: Talk, Read, Sing”
who require mechanical respiratory
campaign launched in
support at home.
2018 in partnership with
Children’s Hospital and
Methodist Health
3
the Clinton Foundation’s
System Foundation
Too Small to Fail initiative. The
extended their
campaign distributes toolkits and places
support of the
signage around New Orleans encouraging
Greater New Orleans
parents and caregivers to engage children,
Immunization Network
beginning at birth, in everyday language
for three more years. The
interactions such as describing objects seen
funding will expand Children’s School
during a walk or bus ride, singing songs or
Kids Immunization Program (SKIP). The
reading stories.
goal of SKIP is to increase immunization
coverage for school-age children
Talking Talking Talking by performing immunization record
is Teaching
• Boosts early brain and language development in children 0–5
is Teaching
• Boosts early brain and language development in children 0–5
is Teaching
• Boosts early brain and language development in children 0–5
assessments and offering training and
• Stimulates social emotional development
• Promotes school readiness skills
• Stimulates social emotional development
• Promotes school readiness skills
• Stimulates social emotional development
• Promotes school readiness skills tools for school personnel, as well as
immunization education for teachers,
parents, and students. The program
includes immunization drives and free
vaccines.
For more information about Talking is Teaching, For more information about Talking is Teaching, For more information about Talking is Teaching,
contact The Parenting Center contact The Parenting Center contact The Parenting Center
504.896.9591 504.896.9591 504.896.9591
theparentingcenter.net theparentingcenter.net theparentingcenter.net
Follow us Follow us Follow us
19-3633-0819 19-3633-0819 19-3633-0819
16 H ERO ES | Winter 2020Philanthropy helps kids play their way to
better health
Supporting patients and their families on of such offerings from their own
the journey from diagnosis to health is experience as the parents of several
not child’s play. Children’s patients.
Or is it? Research has shown Maureen and Whit, who recently
that fostering an environment that became an emeritus member of the
encourages play and creativity, as well Children’s Board of Trustees after nearly
as building opportunities for families to 18 years of service, will recognize their
relax and rejuvenate is vital to successful own caregivers by naming the multi-
pediatric care. purpose area of the Child Life Center,
That’s why a signature pillar of which their gift will help fund, in honor
Extraordinary Together, Children’s of their mothers Agnes McLindon and
Hospital’s capital campaign, is devoted Katherine Huguley. future wellness campus, which will also
to enhancing the patient and family Louellen and Darryl Berger also feature lush landscaping, walking paths,
experience, and supporting ways for the know Children’s Hospital well. Through family housing, and other amenities.
arts and play to advance healing. minor injuries and serious illness, But they are not alone. To further
This is a primary goal of the soon- Children’s has cared for the four the hospital’s commitment to family
to-open Child Life Center at Children’s. Berger children. When discussing their wellbeing, The Eugenie and Joseph
It is also close to the heart of Whit and involvement with the capital campaign, Jones Family Foundation has also made
Maureen Huguley, who recently made the Bergers expressed a passion for a $20,000 commitment for playground
a $150,000 commitment toward the supporting something that would give construction. Philanthropic support is
new center. patients, their siblings, and their parents vital to building environments of health
Slated to open in the spring of a place to find respite from routine that create an extraordinary experience
2021, the Child Life Center will feature appointments, tests, and treatments. for both patients and families.
age-appropriate playrooms and Sometimes the most extraordinary
activity spaces for patients and their gifts support the most ordinary
siblings, while also providing family opportunities that families outside of
support services. The Huguleys, long- the hospital might take for granted. And
time supporters of Children’s, have so the Bergers decided to make a gift
firsthand knowledge of the importance of $150,000 for a playground on the
H ERO ES | Winter 2020 17P H I L A N T H R O PY
Rehabilitation rocks with Smoothie King climbing wall
Climbing a mountain is an often-used metaphor to describe a
patient’s medical journey. But that metaphor becomes literal
for many young patients at Children’s Hospital New Orleans,
where the treatment plan includes scaling the Smoothie King
Rock Climbing Wall, a popular rehabilitation tool located
in the Sensory Treatment Room at Children’s Outpatient
Rehabilitation Clinic in Metairie.
“The rock climbing wall is such a
versatile tool. For some, it is a physical
test to climb to certain parts on the
wall. For others, it might be a cognitive
test for them to plan how they will
climb it.”
“The kids love the wall!” says Todd Danos, Director of
Rehabilitation Services at Children’s. “We have not had one
child who has not enjoyed spending time using it. It certainly
brings a ‘fun factor’ to treatment.”
But more than a good time, the 8’x12’ wall, installed last
spring through a generous donation from Smoothie King, offers
benefits for every conceivable condition.
“We are able to use the wall on any patient who comes in
for physical, cognitive, or sensory treatment,” Danos says.
“The rock climbing wall is such a versatile tool. For some, it is
a physical test to climb to certain parts on the wall. For others,
it might be a cognitive test for them to plan how they will
climb it.”
And the wall is a hit for kids of any age, according to Danos.
“Sometimes the parents are more excited than the kids. It is
great for a parent to see their child do something on the wall
that they might not do in another setting.”
Danos says ensuring the safety of the children using the wall
is job number one, so trained therapists continually supervise,
guide, and support climbing kids.
As with any mountain waiting to be conquered, climbing
the rock wall is both a physical and psychological achievement
for the kids, Danos says. “When the child feels like they
have accomplished something, they feel better about
themselves, which ultimately increases their participation in the
rehabilitative process.”
18 H ERO ES | Winter 2020P H I L A N T H R O PY
Spirit Halloween stores raise funds for Child Life
Since 2010, Spirit Halloween stores The shops, which are open August “We meet with store leadership in
have partnered with the Child Life and through October, sell Halloween the summer to discuss the campaign,”
Creative Therapies team at Children’s costumes, decorations, and other Guilbeau said. “They’re always looking for
Hospital New Orleans to raise funds and themed items. The fundraiser has grown ways to make it bigger, not only in terms
awareness for the hospital program. The significantly over the years and in 2019 of dollars, but in creative ways to share
annual fall fundraising campaign, “Spirit the campaign raised over $136,000 for the Children’s Hospital story. I’ve never
of Children,” raises money from the sale the hospital. “That amount just shows seen a group of more dedicated people.”
of Halloween costumes and other items how committed the Spirit Halloween In addition to the pop-up stores in
in pop-up stores throughout the Greater team is to our mission,” Guilbeau said. the community, the Spirit Halloween
New Orleans area. The effort here in New Orleans is part team brings Halloween fun to the
“We have the most wonderful of a larger campaign by Spirit Halloween patients at Children’s by setting up a
supporters for this campaign,” said René stores across the country to invest in store at the hospital. Patients and their
Guilbeau, Children’s Director of Patient local Child Life programs which aim to families get to choose their costumes at
Experience, Child Life and Creative make hospitals less scary for kids and no cost and attend a special Halloween
Therapies. “We sincerely appreciate all their families. In total, 141 hospitals across party, just for them.
the hard work, time, and effort it takes the United States and Canada benefit
the Spirit Halloween team to make this from the Spirit of Children fundraiser
campaign not just happen but grow year each year.
over year.”
H ERO ES | Winter 2020 19BY TH E N U M B ER S
2019 AT A GLANCE
Children’s Hospital New Orleans
Pediatric Primary
106,371
141,498
SPECIALTY Care
CARE VISITS Visits
344
8,950
CASES
SURGICAL
TOTAL
TRANSPORTS
Helicopter
Transports 612
AVERAGE DAILY CENSUS
65.7 30.4 27.1
Neonatal
11.0
Pediatric
139
AVERAGE INPATIENTS
Acute Behavioral
Care Health Intensive Intensive PER DAY
Care Care
52,254
FULL TIME
EMPLOYEES
TOTAL EMERGENCY DEPT. VISITS
1,851
940
14
Serving patients from all
64 parishes
VIRTUAL VISITS in Louisiana Pediatrics clinics
20 H ERO ES | Winter 2020Do a little something extra
for the kids at Children’s Hospital!
Host a Community Fundraiser
Small acts of kindness Join our community of fundraisers.
Make it uniquely your own:
become extraordinary Lemonade Stand
when we do them School Bake Sale
together. Since 2017, Golf Tournament
Fishing Tournament
However you choose to
raise funds, whether it’s a
nearly $500,000 has Chili or Gumbo Cookoff
neighborhood yard sale or
been raised – $1 at a Dinner Party
Car Show
a company golf tournament,
our team is here to help you
time – by individuals and Walk-a-thon
make it a success.
organizations willing to Birthday Fundraiser
Car Wash
host their own fundraiser! Facebook Fundraiser
Raffle
Contact Candace Burnett, Development Officer,
at 504.894.6876 or candace.burnett@LCMChealth.org
to get your community fundraiser started today!
chnola.orgCampus transformation continues with the opening of the new walkway connecting the Henry Clay Ave. and State St. sides of campus.
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