Sophie’s Place at Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital:
This area is on the ground floor close to the garden doors and it is a library space and a separate broadcast room where patients can participate in games, shows, and listen to the talk show hosts through a specific TV channel at the Packard’s children’s hospital.
A couple of times in the past, a child life specialist would stop by with a calendar of events you could choose from. Ellis participated in a bingo game by watching the show and she called in to the host saying that she won. She then chose a prize and someone brought it up and left it outside her room door. Another time it was an interview with a Paralympic athlete who fielded questions from the host and listeners.
It was a fun way to spend the afternoon watching a live show, learning about something different, and calling in to win a prize afterwards. A fun distraction in a stressful environment. There’s also a reward program that you could get a bigger prize if you participate more frequently; these are for patients who have longer stays. One time she chose a Pokemon card pack: other time, a Squishmallow animal.
Although the hospital is a stressful place, there’s always something going on to lift spirits and bring joy to patients and their families. I’m so grateful for what they do and for the services provided!
The information below is from Stanford Medicine Children’s Health website:
Packard Television
Each patient room has two televisions, one for the patient and one for the family and friends that visit. These TVs offers PackardVision, an educational resource and entertainment, a STEAM gaming system, children’s movie channels, a relaxation channel and a direct connection to our in-house Broadcast Studio.
Broadcast Studio/Sophie’s Place
The Broadcast Studio, named “Sophie’s Place,” provides equipment for children to create, record, and edit videos and music. With the help of our media coordinators, videos can be broadcasted and shared throughout patient rooms via the hospital entertainment system for patients who are unable to leave their rooms. Sophie’s Place is located inside Story Corner in the Main building.
Story Corner
The Story Corner is a multiuse space where families can gather for activities such as reading and storytelling time with a volunteer or librarian. Shelves are loaded with books for all ages and soft, comfortable spots are available to sit and read. Young patients and their families can make new friends, find strength in shared experiences, and explore their creativity. Since all patient rooms have a bedside iPad and television, bed-bound patients will be able to take part in scheduled storytelling sessions and group activities like Bingo. The hospital entertainment network and digital signage will post updates on events and classes at the Story Corner, which is located on the ground floor of the Main building.
Interactive California Coast Wellness Eco-Zone
Located inside Story Corner, the Interactive California Coast Wellness Eco-Zone features an Ouva Wall. The Ouva Wall is an interactive gesture-responsive screen where children and families can have fun and learn about different ecosystems. Visitors can interact with lively elements and animals found on California’s coast by moving their bodies in front of the screen.
Thank you Martha Kennedy for hosting this challenge!
11 responses to “RagTag Daily Post Tuesday! Explore”
This is such a great concept – kids need all the bolstering they can get for their hospital stays as it is as stressful for them as it is for their families. Soon, they will have the annual Christmas tradition at a large hospital, not near me, in another county. It is called “Moonbeams for Sweet Dreams” and all through December, people go to the parking lot of the hospital and shine flashlights toward the hospital and the kids line up at the windows (if able) and they have their own flashlights and flash back. I think it happens at 8:00 p.m. nightly – I think that is a super idea to make kids feel more a part of the holiday season when they must be in the hospital.
I think I heard about this before! I love that. I’m sure kids get excited to do that and to participate in that way. People are so creative and I love how the holidays are made more palpable this way for kids. I get so moved by things hospitals do for children to make them feel special and included. Thank you for sharing that!
You’re welcome Esther. It is a big thing here and the kids look forward to it. People all go to the parking lot and even take their kids to shine the flashlight toward the kids’ windows. I just looked for a video of how they do it and will put it in a separate comment. I was not aware that the first responders brought the firetrucks and had Santa on the firetrucks. Check out the video and maybe your pediatric hospital would like to do it.
Here you are Esther. This video from 2024 is a compilation of previous nights:
https://www.fox2detroit.com/news/moonbeams-sweet-dreams-returning-light-up-corewell-health-childrens-hospital
this is so sweet!! thank you for sharing this video. what a wonderful way to share the holiday joy together.
Yes, I think it is very special and I wonder why all pediatric hospitals don’t do this … it would be very uplifting to both the patents and the people who come to boost their spirits.
That’s amazing! What a wonderful hospital!
It’s a whole new world in there with all their services and programs! I prefer not to be in there, but when there are special holidays, they create special events. Although you’re isolated from the outside world, the hospital staff and child life specialists make it special for the patients and their families.
WOW! I’ve never heard of such a thing for a hospital. It takes patient care to a whole new level.
It’s awesome these types of services they provide for patients… short term or long term. It builds a nice community and kids can participate in creative works. They also have a school. Once time we stayed longer than a week and the teacher stopped by to talk about their schedule.
Very impressed!