Since its creation in 1983, Children's Hospital has been a leader in providing special and unique programs dedicated to children's health and safety. More than 82,000 infants, children and adolescents are treated in the hospital each year.

With 144 beds, Children's Hospital is a statewide pediatric referral center. Doctors, nurses and other medical professionals are assisted by therapists, teachers and volunteers to provide a family-centered approach to pediatric care-taking into account not just the sick child but the entire family's needs.

Children’s Hospital also offers...

	The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit and special care nurseries treat hundreds of critically ill newborns annually with the highest level of specialized care in the Midlands. Many of these babies are transported to these specialized units by the STORK, a mobile intensive care unit for newborns. Click for more information.
	The Children's Emergency Center is open 24 hours/7 days a week. Opened in March 1996, it was the first Emergency Care Center in South Carolina dedicated solely to pediatrics.
	Ongoing research into childhood neurological cancers through the cancer research laboratory at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine.
	Children’s Day Hospital which may be an option for children requiring additional therapy beyond the scope of an office visit with the benefit of avoiding an emergency room visit or hospital inpatient admission.
	The staff of the eight-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is prepared at any time to provide immediate care for more than 500 referrals each year. Some of the referrals arrive to the PICU by pediatric ground transport, a mobile unit for critically ill and injured infants and children from the 15-county referral area. The transport team is comprised of a specially trained group of nurses, respiratory therapists and paramedics.
	CHAMPIONS provide generous time and fund-raising assistance for all Children's Hospital endeavors. The national Children's Miracle Network telethon each summer raises thousands of dollars for programs and needed equipment.
	The Reach Out and Read program makes early literacy a part of pediatric primary care. Volunteers read aloud to children in pediatric waiting rooms, showing parents and children the pleasures and techniques of looking at books with children.
	Educational offerings are presented year-round by professionals on such topics as helping children deal with the death of a loved one, preparing children for the birth of a sibling and parenting skills. Pet therapy encourages better response and communication of inpatients who frequently receive visits by furry friends. Parents can participate in support groups and informal get-togethers.
	The Children's Center for Cancer and Blood Disorders is a major referral center for pediatric cancer patients.
	Nineteen specialty outpatient clinics, including; diabetic outreach clinics, cardiac outreach clinics and intensive adolescent outpatient substance abuse program.

2005 Palmetto Health Children's Hospital Board

Children's Hospital Admission Tours (CHAT) are provided prior to the day of surgery for those children and their families who will be having a procedure performed at Children's Hospital. These tours provide opportunities to visit the different areas that a child might encounter while having surgery and to see a typical hospital room within Children's Hospital, should the child be admitted.

A Certified Child Life Specialist provides a medical play session and tour for the family. The medical play session helps to alleviate fears about the anesthesia/surgery process.

To schedule an appointment, please call 296-KIDS.

...that he or she is going to the hospital,
...that he or she will be having an operation, and
...basic information about what will happen during his or her hospital visit.

	Give simple explanations using words and concepts your child understands.
	Answer your child's questions honestly to help correct any incorrect notions they may have.
	Explain that the operation will help your child get better. Children relate to reasons like, "it will help you be strong and healthy" or, "it will help your body do its job."
	Explain the time-frame of the operation. Tell him or her when the operation is, how long the hospital visit will be and how much time you will be able to spend with him or her.
	Encourage your child to talk about the hospital visit and to ask questions. There are many books on the subject written at your child's level of comprehension.
	Explain that your child will not feel, hear or see anything during the operation because of a special sleep medicine that wears off after the operation.
	Explain that the medical problem your child faces is not as punishment for something he or she did or an embarrassment. Let him or her know that many children have the same problem and must get it fixed at the hospital.
	Schedule a pre-operation tour or let your child take Richie Raccoon's Behind the Scenes Tour under the KID’s CORNER tab above. Click here to go there now.

	Do not try to answer questions you don't know the answers to. Tell him or her that you don't know but will find out. Your child's nurses or doctor should be able to answer any questions for you.
	Do not promise your child that he or she will have no pain. Children respond to varying levels of pain in different ways and may have some discomfort after the operation. The hospital staff is trained to help your child be as comfortable as possible.
	Do not promise there will be no needles or make any other promises that you may not be able to keep.

Television
Children's Hospital has two closed-circuit television channels especially for children. A variety of programs are shown, including special events such as bingo and magic shows broadcast from the playroom for children who cannot leave their beds. A Child Life specialist will inform you and your child when special programs will be broadcast. If you or your child are deaf or hearing impaired, you may request a TDD, closed caption device for your television

VCRs
Each room is equipped with a VCR. You may bring tapes from home and some are available from the Child Life specialists.

Your Child's Meals
If your doctor does not order a special diet for your child, you will be encouraged to help choose his or her daily meals. You will receive a special children's menu each morning. If your child has any special food requests, you can let your nurse know.

Children's Hospital Dietitian
Children's Hospital has a registered dietitian to care for your child's special dietary needs. The dietitian will consult with you if a special diet is medically necessary to answer any questions you might have.

Parent Meals
A parent picnic will be delivered every day with your child's lunch. This is a complimentary service we hope will make your visit more comfortable. Meals are available at the Palmetto Café, located on the first floor near the front entrance of the hospital. The menu varies daily, and includes hot meals, sandwiches and a salad bar. Snacks also are available at vending machines throughout the hospital. (There are no vending machines on the 9th floor.)

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU)
The PICU visiting hours are 6:30 -- 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. -- 6:30 p.m. Parents and grandparents are allowed to visit two at a time. Visitors will be asked to leave during nursing reports, doctor's rounds, all procedures or at a nurse's discretion.

PICU Family Room
The PICU waiting room is for parents with children in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit only. Located in room 917, it is a quiet place for you to relax when you are not by your child's beside.

Overnight Accommodations
We encourage you to stay with your child as much as possible during hospitalization. Sleeper chairs are provided in each room for your convenience. Linens will be provided. Cots are available to rent. Ask your nurse for details.

Ronald McDonald House of Columbia
The Ronald McDonald House of Columbia is a home away from home for families whose children are undergoing treatment at Columbia area hospitals. Located on Palmetto Health's campus, the large two-story house has sleeping accommodations for eight families. If you are without transportation, Palmetto Health Security will assist you in getting to the hospital at night or during inclement weather.

Kitchen/Laundry Facilities
Children's Hospital has kitchen facilities for parent use 24 hours a day. Each kitchen is equipped with a microwave, ice machine, refrigerator and coffee maker. Please put your name on any food items placed in the refrigerator. In consideration of others, please remove any food from the refrigerator before leaving the hospital.

A small washer and dryer are available in the 9-East kitchen for parents who are here for an extended period of time. Detergent is available. For more information, ask your nurse.

Bank Machine
Palmetto Health has a 24-hour automated banking machine located on the first floor, outside the cafeteria.

Parking
Parking is free for patients and visitors in front of the hospital and in parking garages located throughout the campus. Parking Lot Five (5), located to the right of the main driveway as you approach the front of the hospital, is available for visitors and patients. Parking also is allowed on both sides of the main driveway and in campus parking garages. Please click on the DIRECTIONS tab above for a map which details parking in and around the hospital. Please lock your vehicle. Palmetto Health is not responsible for items taken from your vehicle.

No Smoking
Smoking is strictly prohibited in all areas of Palmetto Health. We ask for your cooperation in keeping with our smoke-free policy. A designated smoking area is located off the second floor of the hospital near the emergency room entrance.

Gift Shop
The Pink Lady Gift Shop, located in the first floor lobby, is open for the purchase of flowers, greeting cards, toiletries, magazines, candy and gifts. The gift shop is run by hospital volunteers and all proceeds go to the Palmetto Health Foundation to purchase needed equipment for various areas of the hospital. Hours are 10 a.m. -- 8:30 p.m. Monday through Friday; 12:30 -- 5:30 p.m. Saturday; and 1:30 -- 5:30 p.m. Sunday.

Security
Hospital security officers are available to escort visitors to their cars in the parking lot. Security also can help with minor emergencies like keys locked in a car or a dead battery. For assistance, call Security at (803) 434-7351. If you are staying at the Ronald McDonald House, security will escort you to and from the hospital after dark or during inclement weather.

Blue emergency call boxes are located in the hospital's main parking areas and parking garages. These telephones allow you to call Security if you need assistance. Instructions for use are on the front of the boxes.

Lost and Found
Lost and Found is located in the Security office on the first floor of the hospital.

Getting Around Town
Please click on the DIRECTIONS tab above for driving directions and information on nearby restaurants, hotels and shopping centers.

Child Life activities are available for children of all ages. Our child life specialists provide a variety of entertaining and therapeutic activities for children, including crafts, stories, movies, bingo and special events.

The Children's West playroom is stocked with toys, games and books, and features activities geared to patients up to five years of age. The Teen Room is for patients of Children's East. Patients are welcome to enjoy free video games, television, board games, puzzles, magazines and other activities geared to patients ages six to 18.

Music Therapy
Music and music related activities are used to assist children towards specific non-musical "feel better" goals.

Pastoral Services
The chaplaincy program is an important extension of our interest in children as individuals. A full-time chaplain makes routine visits to patients' rooms, and clergy from all major denominations and faiths may be requested.

Family worship services are conducted each Sunday and Tuesday morning in the hospital's chapel. The chapel is open to patients, family and visitors at all times.

Social Work Services
Hospitalization, emergency visits and outpatient treatment may cause psychosocial problems for both children and parents. Palmetto Health's Social Work and Discharge Planning department has professionals available to help with the comprehensive emotional, social, financial and discharge planning needs of your family.

Financial Arrangements
Daily room rates at Children's Hospital include many services important to your child's recovery and comfort. Nursing care, meals, local telephone service, cable television and housekeeping are included in the room rate. However, there are some charges not included. Additional charges are made for services ordered by your doctor, such as X-rays, laboratory tests, medical supplies, anesthesia or other diagnostic and therapeutic services. Your child's admitting physician and other consulting physicians will bill you separately for their respective services.

You may make arrangements for the payment of your hospital bill either prior to or at the time of your child's admission.

If you have any questions concerning payment of your bill while your child is a patient, please call the Admitting office at (803) 434-3834 and ask to speak to a financial counselor.

Homebound Instruction
Children's Hospital has a teacher available who can arrange for educational instruction while your child is in the hospital. Homebound instruction can be continued if needed once your child returns home. Ask your nurse for further information on educational services.

Parent Drop-in
Parent Drop-in is an ongoing support group for parents. These weekly meetings encourage parents to take a break from their child's bedside and enjoy refreshments and fellowship with other parents. The group meets each Wednesday at 11 a.m. in the Sunshine Room (Room 946).

Parent Activities
A variety of games, crafts, puzzles and crosswords are available to parents for their enjoyment.

Children's Hospital Admissions Tours (CHAT)
For children scheduled for inpatient and outpatient surgery, a pre-admission tour of the hospital is offered by a Child Life specialist. For reservations or information, call (803) 434-4327.

Language Interpreter
Children's Hospital has an extensive list of foreign language interpreters. If you don't feel comfortable communicating in English, please ask your nurse to locate an interpreter for you.

Services for the Hearing Impaired
If you or your child are deaf or hearing impaired, you may request a TDD, closed caption device for your television and an amplified telephone. Your nurse can make arrangements or you may call Customer Service, (803) 434-7777.

Parent Advisory Council
The Parent Advisory Council is made up of parents from the community and Children's Hospital staff members. The council serves in an advisory capacity and acts as a liaison between parents and hospital administration. For information or suggestions, call (803) 434-3733.

Back to Parent's Place