Family-Centered Care

Brenner Children’s Hospital staff is focused on treating the entire family when a child is hospitalized. Staff members work with each family to make sure they understand the diagnosis, the treatment plan and what steps, if any, need to be taken once the child returns home. For example, in the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Brenner Children’s Hospital, social workers are assigned to each family. They work closely to ensure that parents know the resources available in their home communities and here at Brenner Children’s Hospital in our neonatal follow-up clinic at Amos Cottage.

Siblings are also included when treating the whole family. “We have a special visitation policy that allows brothers and sisters to visit their new sibling,” said Connie Purkey, nurse manager for the NICU. “Support of the entire family is one of our top priorities. Our goal is to send patients home with families who are knowledgeable about their care and have the resources available to them if needed.”