VISITING THE HOSPITAL
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Family
services & amenities |
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Preparing
for a stay |
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The Bioethics Committee is a resource
for staff and parents faced with ethical issues and/or conflicts
regarding care. The committee can be reached by calling Medical
Staff Services at 832-824-2296 during normal business hours. Medical
Staff Services can be
reached through the page operator at 832-824-2099 after hours, on
weekends or holidays.
Chaplains of many denominations are
available at Texas Children’s 24 hours a day. Chaplains comfort and
counsel patients, family members, staff and other caregivers.
Chaplains can be reached by speaking with your child’s nurse or by
calling ext. *9005 inside the hospital or 832-355-3258. Volunteer lay chaplains
also
are available through The Auxiliary to Texas Children’s.
Child-life specialists work with
patients and their families to help reduce stress and anxiety while
promoting positive coping skills. They have studied normal child development and reactions of children to hospitals and other
healthcare settings.
They assess patients’ developmental needs, prepare patients and
families for medical events through medical play, provide emotional
support during medical procedures and teach coping techniques.
 Constructive play activities can do
much to help your child cope with an illness and feel more at ease
at Texas Children’s. Patients can play on the playground or in one
of the inpatient playrooms. Child-life staff can provide bedside
activities if a child is unable to leave his or her room. Child-life
specialists also are available to help brothers and sisters cope
with their sibling’s illness. Call 832-826-1650 for assistance.
Family Relations can assist with
concerns, compliments and complaints. You can reach Family Relations by
calling 832-824-1919.
Guest Services supports your family during your visit to the Texas
Medical Center. Our representatives are here to help by providing
information and referrals to immediate and extended family 24 hours
a day, seven days a week.
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Senior Guest Services representative Diana Vasquez hands
Rebekah Coronado of Baytown (holding daughter Madelynn)
her prize of two round-trip airline tickets, courtesy of
Continental Airlines. Coronado entered a contest to win
the Continental tickets by participating in a Texas
Children’s Hospital survey about Guest Services.
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Services
provided include, but are not limited to:
- Coordination of travel arrangements
for out of town families.
- Referrals to non-clinical services
and programs available to families while at the hospital.
- Area maps and directions.
- Information about area dining,
shopping and transportation options.
- Comprehensive information about area
hotels and services.
- Coordination of visits to area
attractions.
- Special requests for birthday,
holiday or other family celebrations.
- Information about hospital programs
and events.
- Access to fax machines, copiers and
other office equipment while at the hospital.
- Activities for patients, siblings
and adults while at the hospital.
- Help with unexpected needs.
Contact a Guest Services representative
by calling 832-824-STAR (7827) or by visiting the Information Desk
in the West Tower lobby.
Social workers can assist with the care
of patients and their parents, brothers and sisters. They help
families cope with stress and adapt to changes through counseling
and community service information and by serving as a link between
the child’s healthcare team and community agencies. Please talk to
your nurse to request a visit from a social worker.
International Patient Services helps
meet the needs of international patients and their families. The
department serves as a point of contact between the family and the
hospital by assisting with medical, housing, transportation and
living needs. Call 832-824-1138 for assistance.
Texas Children's provides
interpretation services for those who are more comfortable
communicating in another language. Please let your child's health
care team know
if you would like to use these interpretation services or contact Family Relations
at 832-824-1919.
 
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