Departments

Nursing

All nursing divisions are staff by registered nurses, licensed practical nurses and nursing assistants. In addition to providing the best care for your child, the staff is available to answer any questions you may have concerning your child’s care. Upon admission, a registered nurse care partner will be assigned to your child. This nurse will work with you in conjunction with the care coordinators to meet and plan the needs of your child while hospitalized. We encourage the participation of all family members in the course of a child’s care, and in preparing for a child’s discharge from the hospital. Please do not hesitate to ask for our assistance.

Radiology/X-ray Services

Orthopaedic medicine uses more x-ray film than any other medical specialty. Technologists in this department provide this service to our patients in a calm and caring manner. Younger patients will enjoy the decorative, playful murals in each room. Patients needing MRI scans and CT scans will be referred to St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Care Coordination/Family Services

The social workers in care coordination/family services offer counseling for parents and children. They can also put families in touch with resources in their own communities for continued care and assistance after their child is discharged from Shriners Hospitals. A care coordinator/social worker will help families can help obtain needed equipment and services not supplied or funded by Shriners.

Orthotics and Prosthetics

The Shriners Hospital Orthotics and Prosthetics department (the SHOP) provides custom-designed braces and artificial limbs for our patients. If your child needs these services, a certified prosthetist, orthotist and/or specially trained technicians will design and make these items for a child's individual needs. All items are provided and repaired at no charge.

Physical Therapy

A child may need evaluation or treatment by a physical therapist while at Shriners Hospital. A physical therapist will develop an appropriate program for the child, which includes exercises for regaining or maintaining joint flexibility and muscle strength. The program may also include training to walk with the use of an assistive device, brace, or prosthesis. If a child must continue therapy after being discharged from Shriners, physical therapists will teach the family and child the exercises to do at home. If you have questions, please call the physical therapy department at (314) 432-3600, ext. 1138.

Occupational Therapy

During a hospital stay, a child may be evaluated or treated by an occupational therapist. Occupational therapists will address many different needs for patients, including post-surgical rehabilitation and prosthetic training. In addition, therapists work with patients in helping to become more independent in the activities of daily living, such as dressing, grooming, bathing and eating. To learn more about occupational therapy, such as camps available for patients, call (314) 432-3600, ext. 1156.

Recreational Therapy

A variety of therapeutic recreational activities will be available to patients while at the hospital. Our large activity room is the site of many fun activities for patients of all ages and abilities, including:

• Preschool activities for patients ages 2 ½ or younger
• Adapted sports
• Leisure education
• Medical play sessions
• Arts and crafts
• Cooking
• Activities for teens and long-term patients
• Pet therapy visits
• Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts
• Special guests, entertainment and other programs visiting from the community

The department also has a DVD/video library. Patients may borrow a movie to watch in their room after the department is closed for the day.

Patients will sometimes need "distraction therapy," which is also provided by recreational therapists, during procedures such as cast changes, blood draws, and PICC line placement that might induce fear or stress in patients.

Nutritional Services

In addition to three nutritionally-balanced meals each day, afternoon snacks are provided to patients. Special cakes are provided for patients celebrating birthdays or other special days. Registered dieticians and registered dietetic technicians are available to provide nutrition counseling.

School

The hospital’s school is designed for patients hospitalized for 5 days or more, or other patients with identified educational needs. Our school program provides patients with the opportunity to continue normal educational activities and receive personalized tutoring while in the hospital. A hospital teacher certified in the State of Missouri, and/or classroom volunteers, staff the classroom.

The hospital school is open Tuesday through Thursday from the first week of September through the last week of May. School hours are 9 a.m. - 2 p.m., with a 45-minute lunch break.

Children enrolled in our hospital classroom will need to attend class on a regular basis. The family should complete a release of information form in order to facilitate communication between the hospital and school. Patients will complete assignments from their home school when available. Additional assignments can be sent to the hospital from the patient’s home school by fax, mail or e-mail. If patients are unable to secure assignments from the home school, our hospital teacher can provide enrichment work. ESL activities will be provided for patients who do not speak English.

At the discretion of the teacher and home school, Special School District services may be utilized for children residing in the St. Louis County and city areas.

Our classroom has six computers and one Internet connection. The Internet is available solely for patients using the classroom. It is available for school-related research. Patients may also use it to check e-mail. Parents and siblings can use the computers at St. Louis County Library for Internet access. The library is within walking distance of our hospital.

To enroll in our school program, call (314) 432-3600, ext. 1224.