Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health Boosts Family-Friendly Amenities

Robust family support, both practical and emotional, is the concept driving the Family Resource Center, a new space unveiled recently at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital OU Health. The new Family Resource Center, a project funded in part by a donation made by the Robert Glen Rapp Foundation, is open to all patients and families who receive medical services at Oklahoma Children’s Hospital and OU Health Physicians clinics.

Jon Hayes, president, Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, said, “I am always amazed at the generosity of our community partners who possess the vision to promote and enhance our efforts to deliver exceptional care. The Family Resource Center is a manifestation of our steadfast commitment to patient- and family centered care, made possible by the Rapp Foundation. This warm and welcoming environment is a place to breathe and relax, as well as tend to practical matters that don’t stop just because someone you love is in the hospital. We are deeply grateful for the contributions of the Rapp Foundation and what the Family Resource Center will mean for our patients, families and staff members.”

Named for independent Oklahoma City oilman Robert Glenn Rapp, the foundation was established in 1953 for the primary purpose of charitable giving, with emphasis on higher education and medical research. Anne Clouse, chief development officer for Oklahoma Children’s Hospital, cited the Rapp Foundation’s historic support of the University of Oklahoma, encompassing areas of education and medical research, athletic and music programs as well as healthcare-related services.

“When the best in children’s healthcare joins forces with partners of like passion and vision, the possibilities for good are magnified exponentially,” Clouse said. “The generous donation by the Rapp Foundation ensures that families and loved ones of our most vulnerable patients will be served far beyond bare necessities.”

Clouse said bridging basic gaps in resources is an often-overlooked but critically important way to significantly ease the burden a hospital stay places on a patient’s family members. Additionally, there are benefits to frontline caregivers who are better able to keep a narrowed focus on their primary roles in direct patient care.

“Oklahoma Children’s Hospital is home to the most advanced technologies that ensure the highest level of pediatric care in every specialty,” said Morris Gessouroun, M.D., chair, Department of Pediatrics, University of Oklahoma College of Medicine, and section chief, Pediatric Critical Care Medicine. “Our intent in creating the Family Resource Center is to extend red-carpet hospitality for families who are far more than visitors. They are people who have become part of the hospital environment of necessity. We want to support them by making valuable resources and comforts easily accessible. These needs are deeply felt when facing challenging, even uncertain health situations with a child.”

While the program will continue to grow, the Family Resource Center opens with a considerable array of helpful tools, personal services and hospitality offerings to enhance comfort:

• Free coffee, bottled water and snacks
• “Comfort Menu” items including toiletries and hygiene items, among other necessities
• Business center with access to computer, printing, copying and fax
• Information about local hotel accommodations and dining options
• Information about resources available at community, state and federal levels, and assistance with online access to these resources
• Complimentary notary services
• Assistance in researching medical needs, diagnoses within literacy levels and language preferences.
• Appointment and referral navigation
• Coordination of in-house services such as financial counseling and social services.
• Conference room space for private meetings

The Family Resource Center staff members look forward to offering an even more expansive range of amenities and services in the near future. The Family Advisory Council will have an active role in the continued development of other planned additions. These will include customized concierge services; food insecurity solutions; education/training opportunities and support groups; car seat installation referrals; story time with local authors; special family-focused events and celebrations; and a variety of wellness and self-care resources.