Memorial gifts improve pediatric experience

The hospital can be a scary place, especially for our youngest patients. However, with the support of generous donors, hospital nurses and employees are equipped with age-appropriate activities to make the experience a little less scary.“The difference that bubbles or a light spinner makes when a nurse is trying to place an IV in our pediatric patients is immeasurable,” said Lisa Lozeau, nurse manager for the pediatric unit.Our pediatric-friendly hospital task force identified a need for age-appropriate activities for children throughout the hospital. In response, generous donors have enabled the hospital to assemble and distribute distraction carts to areas within the hospital that serve pediatric patients. Stocked with tools to distract children undergoing painful procedures, like a blood draw or shot, these carts improve our pediatric patients’ experience in our emergency department, laboratories, and inpatient areas.The distraction carts were one of two projects made possible by generous donations in memory of local restaurateur, Yoshi Katsumura. Donations also funded the purchase of two bili lights - used to treat jaundice in newborns. Last year, more than 2,000 babies were born at Swedish Covenant Hospital, an increase of 10 percent from 2014. The increase in babies born at Swedish Covenant Hospital caused a strain on the limited number of bili lights to treat the condition. The new lights will allow our obstetrics and pediatric units to effectively treat multiple newborns with jaundice simultaneously.Mr. Katsumura, chef and owner of the 33-year old Lakeview restaurant Yoshi’s Café, passed away in August 2015 after a long battle with cancer. His wishes were for donations to be given to support pediatric services at Swedish Covenant Hospital in his memory. The generosity of Mr. Katsumura’s friends and family have allowed for his legacy to live on by improving care for the more than 16,000 pediatric patients and newborns who receive services at Swedish Covenant Hospital each year.“We extend our deepest gratitude for those who have donated to support pediatric services in honor of Yoshi Katsumura. It is such a kind gesture and an honorable way to keep his memory alive. Our patients and staff are incredibly appreciative of the support,” Lisa said.To learn more about memorial donations at Swedish Covenant Hospital, click here or contact the Foundation at Foundation@swedishcovenant.org, or 773-293-5121.