DUBLIN, Ga. - In the realm of healthcare, dealing with children's anxiety at the hospital is a crucial aspect. For those little ones who experience doctor and hospital-related fears, routine check-ups or even surgeries can become extremely daunting. According to Yale-New Haven Hospital, the peak of doctor anxiety for children occurs between six months and four years old. That's where Fairview Park Hospital's committee steps in to make a significant difference.

Case Study: The Carter Family

Blake and Jaimie Carter recently welcomed their first baby at Fairview Park Hospital two months ago. This baby is truly a miracle in every sense. Jaimie Carter faced multiple complications during pregnancy, and their baby, Wyatt Carter, was born several weeks early and required surgery in his first month. Soon after giving birth, they found themselves back at the hospital as their baby couldn't keep food down. It was a terrifying experience for the mother, but the hospital staff was incredibly kind and helpful. Dr. Andrew Bozeman, one of the hospital's pediatric surgeons who performed the surgery on Wyatt, along with his staff, did an "amazing" job caring for them. They constantly checked on them to ensure everything was okay. Wyatt Carter became the hospital's first patient to receive the treatment surfactant, which helped him start keeping food down again and he is now growing rapidly.

Connecting with Parents

Dr. Bozeman understands that parents also bring a lot of anxiety. That's why he emphasizes the importance of extra communication from medical staff to ease parents' minds before their child begins to heal, just like Wyatt Carter did. As a father of three, he knows the importance of having the best people take care of his kids and being able to communicate with them. He wants parents to feel that their most precious possession is in good hands.

Hospital Amenities for Kids

Halee Childers, the same-day surgery manager and post-anesthesia care unit manager, is working alongside Dr. Bozeman. They are adding cartoon ceiling tiles soon and have provided little tyke cars for parents to wheel their kids around. There are also iPads for kids waiting for surgery and mini-surgery caps with cartoons for them to choose and wear during their hospital visit. A local church donated these surgical caps, and kids can take them home after their hospital stay. This way, kids feel like they are part of the team and less scared.

Dealing with Kids' Anxiety

Childers reminds parents that anxiety often stems from a fear of the unknown. She recommends that parents talk to their kids after appointments to understand what scared them. Lying to kids only adds to their anxiety, so parents should treat them like adults and explain things in a way they can relate to. They shouldn't downplay anything as kids are scared and it's important to address their concerns directly. By doing so, parents can help their kids feel more at ease during their hospital visits.