VCU Children's Medical Center to open pediatric palliative care room

By Malorie Burkett

RICHMOND, Va. (June 22, 2006) – The Virginia Commonwealth University Children's Medical Center will celebrate the grand opening of its new Pediatric Palliative Care and Pain Management room.

A ceremony will take place Friday, June 23 at 9:30 a.m. on the pediatric inpatient unit on the 7^th floor of the Main Hospital, 1250 E. Marshall St.

The new area will include 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.

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.

Members of the media will need to be escorted to the ceremony. Please contact Malorie Janis at 804.827-0889 if planning to attend.

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