The Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital team has found yet another way to provide Care Beyond the Bedside by taking a patient with a tracheostomy (trachs) into the pool for the first time at the hospital. This incredible advancement in therapy was possible through careful planning, research and dedication from team members who are committed to safety—and playful healing for patients.
A young Santa in a small Tesla Cybertruck will be cruising the halls of Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Dec. 21 at 4pm to deliver toys to every child. And this jolly guy bought every gift himself in appreciation for what Ranken Jordan means to him. Santa, AKA Ryan Joseph, or RJ, spent his first Christmas at Ranken Jordan 10 years ago when he was just a few weeks old. Since then, he has returned for outpatient therapy and plays Challenger Baseball each season at Ranken Jordan.
Following a national search, Shawn Dryden has been selected to serve as the next president and CEO of Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital. Ranken Jordan specializes in caring for children with complicated medical diagnoses and their families – helping them transition from hospital to home. Dryden starts in the position Jan. 1, 2023.
Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital is excited to share it has been awarded a play grant from the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) and The Toy Foundation (TTF). The Children’s Hospital Play Grant Program was created to bring the healing power of play to children in hospitals through projects incorporating play therapy into care services. At Ranken Jordan, play is an integral part of the healing process, and this grant recognizes the shared value of play as part of therapy.
Sydney Flack, a Girl Scout from Maryland Heights, has been in the scouts since Kindergarten and was ready to earn her Silver Award. As she rounded businesses in her community selling cookies and offering support, many of them recommended she visit Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital. She reached out to the CEO who gave her a tour of the hospital. “He mentioned the new play garden was just completed but there was limited seating for families,” says Flack. “It was a perfect project because I had made benches before as a Girl Scout, so I already knew how I could help.”
Unfortunately, pain can be part of life for any child, but especially for children with complex medical conditions or severe injuries. The good news is kids don’t have to suffer through pain. The team at Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital is committed to addressing pain with patients both in and out of the hospital. Child life specialists at Ranken Jordan are child development experts trained to help children of every age cope with hospitalization, procedures, and pain.