The Grossman Burn Center Announces Grand Re-Opening of Its Therapeutic Playroom at West Hills Hospital & Medical Center
West Hills, CA (PRWEB) March 02, 2014 -- The Grossman Burn Center at West Hills Hospital and Medical Center will held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its newly renovated and redesigned therapeutic Playroom. The Playroom is an important resource for psychological rehabilitation of pediatric burn survivors. The renovations were funded by a donation from the Children’s Burn Foundation, and additional resources were provided by the Frankenheimer family and by the Container Store.
Psychological support is extremely important for the emotional wellbeing of children recovering from burn injuries. The Playroom allows specialists to employ developmentally appropriate activities to prepare children for surgery and it encourages self-expression and emotional support through therapeutic play. One-third of the patients treated at the Grossman Burn Center are children.
Dr. Peter H. Grossman stated, “A burn injury is a frightening and traumatic experience—especially for young children. As part of our interdisciplinary team we have a full time Child Life Specialist who provides psychosocial support to all pediatric patients and their families. She literally works wonders with the children she treats and the Playroom factors prominently in her work. ”
The Playroom is located within the Burn Unit at West Hills Hospital and it is outfitted with developmentally appropriate toys and activities for children of all ages. More than a recreational resource, it is a safe haven for children as they recover from their burn injuries.
Child Life Specialist Linda Garcia commented, “Children will often feel overwhelmed in the hospital. The Playroom allows them to gain a sense of familiarity and control through play and exploration. It is a place where kids can be comfortable as they prepare them for procedures and surgeries. It is truly an invaluable resource.”
In addition to support from the Children’s Burn Foundation, the Frankenheimer family has donated toys and other supplies to the Playroom for more than twenty years.
About the Grossman Burn Center at West Hills Hospital and Medical Center:
Founded in 1969 by Dr. A. Richard Grossman and now under the direction of Dr. Peter H. Grossman, M.D., FACS, the Grossman Burn Center is renowned for its expertise in providing acute and reconstructive burn care, rehabilitation and post-treatment emotional and psychological support. It has received global recognition for its treatment of some of the most difficult and high-profile burn cases in the world. The Grossman Burn Center is headquartered in Los Angeles, CA, with facilities Bakersfield, CA, Phoenix, AZ, and Kansas City, MO. For more information: http://www.grossmanburncenter.com.
About West Hills Hospital:
West Hills Hospital & Medical Center offers the full complement of advanced technology, compassion and responsive care for the improvement of human life. Serving the community for more than 50 years, West Hills Hospital is ranked among the top centers for heart attack treatment response and is the first accredited Chest Pain Center in LA County. Recognized as an Advanced Stroke Center as designated by the Joint Commission and home to the renowned Grossman Burn Center, West Hills Hospital provides quality care that is close to home for many in the West Valley. For more information visit us online at WestHillsHospital.com.
About the Children’s Burn Foundation:
The Children’s Burn Foundation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to providing support services for child burn survivors, ages 0-18 and their families, as well as burn prevention and fire safety education to thousands of children and caregivers in Southern California, nationally, and internationally. For more information, please visit: http://www.childrensburnfoundation.org
About the Frankeheimer Family:
In 1985, eleven month old Sean Frankeheimer suffered a severe burn injury when he was scalded by a pail of hot water. Since completing his course of treatment, the Frankenheimer family has made annual donations of toys and gifts to the Grossman Burn Center for use in the playroom.
Cathy Butter, Grossman Burn Center, http://www.grossmanburncenter.com, (818) 676-4736, [email protected]
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