How do Butler staff help children feel safe in the hospital?
Safety is the number one priority on the CITU. To assist each child in feeling safe, the unit uses a checks system in which a staff member checks on the child every 5 to 15 minutes throughout the day, depending on the observation level ordered by the doctor. Staff also ensure that the environment is safe through frequent unit safety checks. Staff are always on the unit and available to talk about any safety concerns with children or their family members.
How long does a child usually stay in the CITU?
The usual length of stay is approximately two to three weeks, depending on the individual child’s needs.
Who can visit?
Parents and guardians are encouraged to visit. Immediate family members, such as grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, may also visit with the permission of the child’s parent or guardian and in the presence of a parent or guardian. Younger siblings are also invited to visit but must be supervised at all times. Clergy, lawyers, and case workers are also welcome.
The CITU visiting hours are scheduled twice daily, except on Tuesday evenings and during the day on Thursdays when field trips occur. If other visiting hours need to be arranged, you can speak with a doctor or treatment team member.
What about school work?
The
CITU treatment team works with teachers from
Education, Inc. to help children learn and keep up with their school work during hospitalization. During lessons with the teachers, the children are supervised by a clinical staff member of the hospital. Lessons are offered Monday through Friday during the academic school year.
Do the children get to spend time outdoors?
As a child progressed in their treatment, they will be able to go to the gym, playground, or on walks on the hospital grounds with staff during the daytime. Field trips to places in the community are offered twice each week. On-grounds and off-grounds passes may also be part of the discharge plan, allowing an opportunity for each child and their family members to practice skills and techniques learned in the hospital.
Do the children share rooms?
Each patient will likely have one roommate of the same sex. Butler Hospital does not have private rooms unless it is clinically necessary.
Are the children allowed to watch TV?
Yes. They can watch TV during certain times of the day. Only G and PG-rated movies and educational programs are allowed.
Can children use the telephone?
The unit phone can be used by children for family or treatment related issues during free time and non-group time. It can also be used by a parent or guardian for the same reasons.
What kinds of foods are offered to children in the hospital?
We encourage our patients to make healthy selections from a food cart that is brought to the unit during meal times. Snacks are provided at least two times each day. Families and visitors can bring non-perishable snacks and other food during visiting hours. Caffeinated beverages are not permitted on the unit. Any special dietary needs should be brought to the attention of the nursing staff upon admission. The hospital’s cafeteria can provide food for special diets as prescribed by the doctor.
What should a child bring with them for their hospital stay?
Non-valuable personal belongings and hygiene products should be packed for a child’s stay. For safety reasons, staff will check any personal belongings that are brought to the hospital and clarify what items are restricted. Gifts and packages that are brought to the hospital for patients will also be checked for their safety.
