March 18, 2004

VCU Pediatrics accepts new Fun Center to entertain young patients

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By Michael Ford
University News Services

Thomas Nicholson, a four-year-old patient at the VCU Medical Center, enjoys the crystal-clear graphics from the flat panel monitor while trying out a skate boarding game on the new Fun Center's Nintendo Game Cube.
Thomas Nicholson, a four-year-old patient at the VCU Medical Center, enjoys the crystal-clear graphics from the flat panel monitor while trying out a skate boarding game on the new Fun Center's Nintendo Game Cube.

For a sick child confined to the hospital, enjoying a favorite movie or engaging in a popular video game can be a welcome distraction from treatments and medications.

Child Life Program therapists and specialists in the VCU Medical Center's Department of Pediatrics now have a mobile entertainment unit to bring smiles to their young patients. The new resource is called a Fun Center and includes a flat screen television, Nintendo game system and DVD player.

"The Fun Center is good for the children and it is good for the adults who have to interact with them," said Molly Ann Duggan, child life specialist in pediatrics. "Children who are initially withdrawn in a clinical setting usually warm up to meeting new adults like us when they are talking about their favorite movie or playing a video game they have at home."

Heather Kinney, child life therapist, took Joan, Knight, Starlight Children's Foundation, David Blankenship, Dan Rand, president Starlight Children's Foundation, Richmond, and Dianne L. Thompson, Starlight Children's Foundation, on a tour of the VCU Medical Center's pediatrics section, including an isolation room in the new PICU. Photos by Michael Ford, University News Services
Heather Kinney, child life therapist, took Joan, Knight, Starlight Children's Foundation, David Blankenship, Dan Rand, president Starlight Children's Foundation, Richmond, and Dianne L. Thompson, Starlight Children's Foundation, on a tour of the VCU Medical Center's pediatrics section, including an isolation room in the new PICU. Photos by Michael Ford, University News Services

The Fun Center was provided by the Starlight Children's Foundation with assistance from Nintendo of America, Kroger Food and Drug and Colgate-Palmolive Co.

"We care about our communities and this is a way to give back," said Neil Morgan, assistant director for merchandising, Kroger Food and Drug, Mid-Atlantic Division.

"It is very rewarding to see the Fun Center have an immediate impact with the children receiving treatment here," said Buddy Greer, sales representative, Colgate-Palmolive Co. "We have partnered with Starlight for 10 years."

Following a Fun Center demonstration with a pediatric patient, guests were given a tour of most pediatric patient areas, including the newly dedicated $2.3 million pediatric intensive care unit.

"It is great to meet the people behind the donations that benefit our young patients," Duggan said. "It is also a good opportunity to expose them first hand to the day to day routine on our pediatric unit."

Molly Ann Duggan, child life specialist, shows Buddy Greer, Colgate-Palmolive, Donna McManners, Kroger and Neil Morgan, Kroger, the new nurses station and patient rooms in VCU Medical Center's new PICU.
Molly Ann Duggan, child life specialist, shows Buddy Greer, Colgate-Palmolive, Donna McManners, Kroger and Neil Morgan, Kroger, the new nurses station and patient rooms in VCU Medical Center's new PICU.