Child Life Specialist
The David Ortiz Children’s Fund is proud to provide two Child Life Specialists to support patients as they prepare for and recover from surgeries. Child Life Specialists are certified in assessment and treatment of the developmental, emotional and psychosocial issues of children. CLS provide consultation and intervention services regarding child development and the impact of illness, injury and hospitalization of children and families.
Many of the patients who receive the cardiac surgery receive their post-surgical care in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, where the Child Life program is dedicated to creating a comfortable, therapeutic and family-centered environment. The goal is to optimize a patient’s growth and development, decrease anxiety and foster positive coping skills. Medical preparation and procedural support, offered by Child Life, helps patients gain a sense of mastery over their health care experiences.