The Child Life Department at North Central Baptist Hospital is a fundamental part of your child's healthcare team.

 Child Life's goals are to:

·     Promote normal growth and development

·     Reduce the stress of hospitalization

·     Provide support to patients and their families

These goals are accomplished by providing developmentally appropriate activities for patients, educating and preparing children for medical procedures and treatments and serving as a resource for parents regarding child development and hospitalization issues. 

Child Life at North Central Baptist Hospital advocates for the patients' and families' needs and promotes their involvement during hospitalization.

The specialists function as vital members of the North Central Baptist Hospital healthcare team. Learn about some of the Child Life related services, below.

Pet-Assisted Therapy Program
Anyone who owns a dog knows that they are loyal and comforting friends. For a child dealing with illness or injury, a therapy dog can provide endless comfort and unconditional love. The specially trained and certified dogs that visit North Central Baptist hospital provide a non-threatening experience for the children. The Pet-Assisted Therapy dogs come to the hospital on most Fridays to visit our patients. These dog our certified and screened in order to become a therapy dog by Paws for Service and Delta Society.

Pre-Op Tour Program
This program allows families to go on a fun, educational and age-appropriate tour of the surgical areas. This tour is conducted by the Child Life Specialist in a non-threatening environment and will provide you child with a sense of familiarity with the equipment, environment and personnel.

This program includes:

• Explanation of the procedure in an age-appropriate manner.

• Viewing a picture book of the surgical area introducing the children to the actual sites they will see.

• Explaining and experimenting with the anesthesia breathing mask and recovery equipment

• Touring key areas of the hospital including the waiting room, holding area, procedure room and recovery area

• Explaining the importance of NPO, Nothing Per Oral (nothing by mouth), which includes, but is not limited to no food, no water, no gum or candy.

We want you to know what to expect and how you will be served, so please plan on attending our Baptist Pre-Op Tour Program.  Call (210) 297-4083 to register.

Pre-Admission Tips For Parents:

1. Prepare yourself for your child*s admission. If you are at ease, your child will be able to sense it.

2. Be honest. Use simple language in you explanations.

3. Allow your child to express his feelings and/or fears Take a familiar toy, teddy, blanket, etc. It may help comfort your child.

4. Help your child select, rehearse, and effectively implement behaviors designed to reduce stress and increase coping.

5. Include brothers and sisters in the preparation. Encourage their participation.

6. Remind your child that they will be coming home.

7. Parents should consider themselves a part of the team.

North Central Baptist Hospital
520 Madison Oak Drive
San Antonio, Texas
78258-3912
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