Getting a pediatric cancer diagnosis can be overwhelming, and providing support to families right away is an important first step in treatment at Northwest Children’s Hospital. “Our Pediatric Oncology Navigator, Brooke Rodriques, RN, immediately helps put families at ease by answering their questions and explaining what treatment will be like,” says Lisa Strickland, Director of Northwest Children’s Hospital. “Brooke also acts as a liaison between the hospital and the pediatric oncology department of Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center.”
To give young patients a welcome distraction from their illness after treatment begins, Northwest features two fully equipped playrooms, which were remodeled with help from the Ryan Palmer Foundation (begun by the Amarillo professional golfer). One room is a “playhouse” for younger children. The other, known as the Palmer Sportzone, includes two fl at-screen TVs, game stations and computers.
Occasionally, children’s treatment restrictions prevent them from utilizing these play spaces. In these cases, they get to know another prominent Northwest staff member: Child Life Specialist Becky Imel.
Imel’s job is to reduce anxiety and stress among pediatric patients. She talks to them, helps provide distractions in the form of toys or games, and makes sure families understand various diagnoses. A program she heads called “Beads of Courage” gives patients a necklace bead for each milestone they meet. “When patients see her, they know it’s always for something good,” Strickland says.
Patients at the Children’s Hospital also get to know Pediatric Oncologist Smita Bhaskaran, MD. “The kids love her,” Strickland says. “Dr. Bhaskaran has a special ability to make children feel comfortable and talk with them in terms they understand.”
While helping young patients to get better is the primary focus of treatment, the team at Northwest knows their care does not end there. “We’re not just treating the patient,” says Dr. Bhaskaran. “We’re treating the family.”