Collaboration Enhances Pediatric Care at Greene County Medical Center

Photo (front row l to r): Lori Herrick, ED/Trauma Coordinator; Patricia Schiltz, PFAC member; Abby Skoglund, RN, Director of Nursing; and Jordan Kral, RN (back row l to r): Daniel Cunningham, PFAC member; Shaunna Hadley, Patient Access Supervisor; Breann Gibson, PFAC member; Kyle Youngblood, PFAC member; and Amanda Waltz, RN.

 A collaborative effort between the Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC) and the Kiwanis Club of Jefferson has resulted in heartwarming and impactful enhancements in the Greene County Medical Center Emergency Department.

Abby Skoglund, Director of Nursing, explained that the idea for a more child-friendly space was born from the input of PFAC, which is a committee comprised of healthcare professionals, patients, family members and active community members. The group had identified the need for an environment that would help ease the anxiety of children facing medical emergencies. “A plan was created to bring their vision to life, and the Kiwanis Club made a generous $500 donation to the Greene County Medical Center Foundation in September that made it a reality,” Skoglund said.

The donation funded the installation of a new mural in one of the medical center’s most frequently used pediatric emergency rooms, stuffed bears featuring the Greene County Medical Center logo as comfort items and water-based coloring books the children can take home with them.

“This type of collaboration is a hallmark in Greene County,” Skoglund said. “People coming together to shape and support improvements helps us continue providing a compassionate and comforting environment for all of our patients.”

The Kiwanis Club of Jefferson is dedicated to improving the lives of children and has long been a supporter of initiatives that benefit children and their families. Their donation to Greene County Medical Center is a perfect example of how the club’s mission aligns with local healthcare efforts to ensure all children have the support they need to thrive.