Aug. 27, 2002 – When staff members have good ideas, let them run with it, said Myrah Keating Smith Community Health Center administrator Erica McDonald at the unveiling Tuesday of the center's innovative kid's treatment room.
"It's very, very special when they can think outside the box," added Rodney Miller, chief executive officer at Roy L. Schneider Hospital.
Avis James, a certified nursing assistant, and registered nurse Kelly Beach conjured up the idea of the kid's treatment room. The room is used for children age six and younger. A sign with alphabet block letters that reads "Kids R Us" greets young patients as they open the door.
"Going to the doctor is a scary thing. We wanted to create an environment where they would be more at ease," McDonald said.
While the room has the standard medical equipment, it is decorated to appeal to kids and stocked with toys and games to give them something to do while waiting for the doctor.
"Anything besides tearing at the drawers," Beach said.
McDonald said the Health Center spent about $500 on things like an alphabet rug in bold colors, sealife borders for the wall, and a yellow paint job on the walls. Beach purchased many of the items while on vacation on the mainland. Others were mail ordered. Staff donated many of the toys and games.
The room has space for other children who may accompany the patient and parents to the Health Center. McDonald said those kids can play with the toys and games while the patient gets treatment.
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