FOCUS ON
FAMILIES
Chilton’s Services for Children Include an Emergency Department Just for Kids
ART AND MUSIC AS THERAPY
Being in a hospital due to sudden injury or illness can be
challenging for children. Often they are not strong enough to cope
with the unfamiliar, busy and overwhelming environment. That’s
why Chilton Medical Center has introduced a unique Creative Arts
Therapy program which uses individualized and age-appropriate,
therapeutic art and music activities, under the guidance of board-certified music and art therapists, to minimize stress and help children
and their families cope positively with their health care experience.
Through the program, children are able to engage in art projects
or listen to live music during care or treatments. “Research has
shown that the use of music and art are both familiar forms of
play and expression that can benefit pediatric patients,” says
Maria Lupo, manager of Healing Arts for Atlantic Health System,
Chilton’s parent organization. “These interventions lower stress and
anxiety levels. They ultimately create a more soothing and comforting
environment for the children and their families,” she notes.
CHILTON MAGAZINE SUMMER 2015
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hilton Medical Center understands that children aren’t
just little people, so its Pediatric Emergency Department
(ED) provides a bright, nurturing environment to not
only accommodate their specialized needs, but also ease their
fears. Every child who comes through the doors is seen by a
pediatric emergency doctor within 20 minutes of arrival. This
guaranteed service separates Chilton from other hospitals in
the area and is offered 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Dedicated exclusively to newborns through children up to
17 years of age, the YX]