Patient Care

Since its inception as a hospital ship in 1894, Floating Hospital for Children has emphasized the importance of caring for each child’s emotional and physical needs and has included the family in the care-giving process. Child life specialists work with children and their families on maintaining normal routines as much as possible during treatments. The staff ensures that school assignments are completed, arranges private locations for family visits and schedules therapeutic play. Other family-centered services include: in-room, overnight privileges for parents whenever possible; open visiting hours for parents and siblings; and support groups for parents and extended families.