How Art Welcomes, Comforts Children's Mercy Patients and Families
"From the moment you walk into our hospital, you're immediately taken by the imagery, murals and hanging sculptures that are breathtaking,"
A child’s first impression of a health care facility can set the stage for how the rest of his or her experience will unfold.
At Children’s Mercy, the colors, artwork and murals that greet visitors convey a warm, positive, playful atmosphere that can even promote the healing process. The pride in our hospital’s environment is captured in a video presented at Kansas City Healthcare Communicators Society 2017 fall conference at the Shawnee Mission Medical Center on Nov. 10.
The presentation was made by Missy Stover, Manager-Child Life Volunteer & Therapeutic Programs; Donald “Scribe” Ross, Special Design & Art Project Manager; and Andy Pollard, Videographer/Photographer, who produced the video.
“Because this topic is best described with visuals, we knew we’d need good photography and video to showcase our hospital environments,” Missy said. “In addition to highlighting the use of color and art throughout the hospital, the video features the perspective of children and parents, which reminds us of why this work is so important. I think the video also shares a glimpse of the passion and drive that our staff has to make this place awesome for kids.”
The video includes comments from Missy, Scribe, patients, parents and other staff members on CM’s innovative approach to creating a health care facility just for kids.
“I think we should always ask the question, ‘what would this be like from the perspective of a kid?,’” Scribe says. “The artwork and the cartoon characters are things that are supposed to spark imagination and create laughter.”
“From the moment you walk into our hospital, you’re immediately taken by the imagery, murals and hanging sculptures that are breathtaking,” Missy says.
Scribe and Missy Stover presented "Art at Children's Mercy" to the Kansas City Healthcare Communicators Society 2017 fall conference at the Shawnee Mission Medical Center on Nov. 10.
Michele Kilo, MD, Director-Developmental and Behavioral Sciences, comments, “The art that we have, the color that we have all throughout our hospital is very welcoming to children; it is key to helping them feel comfortable.”
Rod Suydam, in-house Carpenter, says, I have a deep passion for the health and well-being of kids. I want them to find comfort…I want them to gain a psychological sense of peace and safety.”
Parent Otis Roper says, “They care about how the children feel entering the building. They’ve got a true desire…to see what health care should look like through the eyes of a child.”
CM volunteer Linda Jones says, “You’re scared of going to the doctor; it’s not your favorite place to be, but there are these things you enjoy in the midst of it.”
Perhaps the ultimate endorsement is expressed by patient Avalon Roper.
“I like that it’s fun for kids,” she says.
Missy, Scribe and Rod also will present on this topic at the 36th annual Association of Child Life Professionals Conference in Washington D.C. in May 2018.
Learn more about the services offered by the Child Life Department at Children's Mercy.
Follow us on Instagram for an inside look at the art and inspiration of Children's Mercy.