VCU Children’s Medical Center opens pediatric palliative care room

By Malorie Burkett

The Virginia Commonwealth University Children’s Medical Center recently celebrated the opening of its new pediatric palliative care and pain management room.

The celebration included a dedication ceremony that took place on the pediatric inpatient unit on the seventh floor of the Main Hospital. Speakers included Sheldon Retchin, M.D., CEO of the VCU Health System, who provided opening remarks; Ron Clark, M.D., medical director of the VCU Health System; and Carol Crosby, R.N., vice president for patient care services and chief nursing officer.

The new area includes a pediatric palliative care comfort room and a family waiting area. A team of health care professionals will focus on specialized medical care in the treatment of pain, symptoms and stress of children and their families living with complex or life-limiting conditions.

“The goal of the patient room is to provide a more spacious and homelike atmosphere for our palliative care patients,” said Deborah Fisher, clinical director of the pediatric palliative care program and pain management team.

According to Fisher, the pediatric palliative care comfort room facilitates excellent medical care, a more conducive environment to meet emotional and spiritual needs and a peaceful atmosphere to increase the comfort of families facing difficult transitions in the care of children with life-threatening illnesses.

Ronald McDonald House Charities of Richmond provided funding for renovations of the comfort room, while the MCV Auxiliary and the Brett Jones Foundation provided funding for the renovation of the family waiting area. Representatives from both organizations also attended the ceremony.