Santa, Mrs. Claus, carolers and members of the Patient Family Advisory Council give holiday gifts to Chhev and her family before performing “Jingle Bells” at Long Beach Memorial.
On December 14, Mr. & Mrs. Santa Claus made the spirits of Long Beach Memorial patients who cannot be home for the holidays bright during special bedside visits with their families. On his way back from the North Pole, with thoughtful goodies in tow, Santa and Mrs. Claus, along with Donna Hartman, vice president of quality and patient safety, Long Beach Memorial, and carolers sang festive jingles to spread holiday cheer.
Too often, simple seasonal joys can be overlooked for adult patients, and yet a special moment with Santa seemed to lift even the most mature spirits. While most people have the opportunity to enjoy the holidays at home, Long Beach Memorial recognizes that hospitalized adults need to celebrate the holiday just like their friends and family.
The Patient Family Advisory Council (PFAC) coordinated the special Santa visit to lift the spirits of those who are hospitalized. The PFAC is the voice for patients and their family members. Individuals serving on the council have, at one point, been patients themselves or family members of patients at Long Beach Memorial. Health care professionals also serve on the council to bring a professional and collaborative approach to the care provided at Long Beach Memorial. Many members offer their volunteer services as a way to “give back” for the excellent care given to them.
From such experiences, council members share their stories, awareness, perceptions and understanding of this collaborative partnership.
Patient and family centered care is a cornerstone of Long Beach Memorial. Having family, friends and special visits not only lifts patients’ spirits, but some research indicates that it helps to improve recovery time. Hospitalization can be an overwhelming experience — even for adults — especially during the holidays. Long Beach Memorial and PFAC work tirelessly to lift the spirits of patients who might not be able to participate in holiday festivities from home.
“We are so happy that Santa was able to stop by and spread holiday cheer at Long Beach Memorial,” says Stephanie Stembridge, patient and family centered care coordinator, Long Beach Memorial. “It makes our patients and their families so happy during a stressful time. We are so thankful that PFAC was able to coordinate this for our patients.”