How a hospital in Georgia is looking to help keep kids and parents calm

Fairview Park. Stock image of a small girl smiling up from her hospital bed at a female doctor in scrubs

Fairview Park Hospital in Dublin, Ga., has been working to reduce hospital anxiety for children, particularly those between six months and four years old, who often experience peak doctor anxiety.

The hospital's committee has implemented various strategies to help families like the Carters, whose baby, Wyatt, was born prematurely and needed surgery in his first month. Despite the initial fear and anxiety, the Carters found comfort in the care provided by Dr. Andrew Bozeman and his team, who performed the surgery and frequently checked on Wyatt to ensure his well-being. Wyatt was also the first patient at the hospital to receive surfactant treatment, which helped him keep food down and grow healthily.

The hospital has introduced several child-friendly initiatives, such as cartoon ceiling tiles, little tyke cars, iPads, and mini-surgery caps with cartoons, to make the hospital experience less intimidating for kids. Same-day surgery manager Halee Childers advises parents to talk openly with their children about their fears and avoid downplaying their concerns, ensuring that children feel understood and supported during their hospital visits.

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