Story Ideas

For more information about these story ideas or others, please contact media relations at 901.287.6030 or e-mail parrisj@lebonheur.org

Bedside reporting increases satisfaction – Nurses at Le Bonheur Children’s have been able to increase patient and family satisfaction by moving their shift change reporting to the bedside. The six-month research study on the effects of nurse-to-nurse bedside reporting at Le Bonheur – where the family was encouraged to participate – showed that increased satisfaction, both with families and nurses. Le Bonheur launched the study on its neuroscience floor, and has since expanded it to two additional floors, with plans to initiate on other floors later on.

New Le Bonheur Children’s Grows Green – As the new Le Bonheur Children’s was designed, sustainable principles were central in the plans. Environmental and energy efficiency, economic efficiency and community focus/social are considered with every decision. Le Bonheur set a goal of recycling 50 percent of demolition waste, and the new building is made of recycled steel and concrete. Water will be conserved by using native plants and drip irrigation as well as low water volume for faucets and toilets. Efficient transportation will be encouraged by bike racks and special parking for energy-efficient cars

Fighting obesity at school – Obesity is one of the greatest challenges facing American children. More than 40 percent of children are overweight or obese. A study by researchers, physicians and educators at Le Bonheur Children’s is testing how innovative school-based activities can affect children’s health. The study is organized by Le Bonheur Healthy Schools, which provides nurses to schools in West Tennessee, and The Children’s Foundation Research Center at Le Bonheur. The obesity prevention pilot program focuses on 4th grade students at two Tipton County elementary schools.

Determining best treatment for a ruptured appendix – Investigators at Le Bonheur Children’s are studying the best surgical approach to caring for children with ruptured appendixes. The randomized trial compares treatment options – one with immediate surgery and another with interval treatment – to determine which procedure requires children to spend more time away from normal activities. A ruptured appendix is a pretty common diagnosis, but there’s no real consensus among surgeons in the pediatric community on the best treatment.

Spine stapling gives relief to children with scoliosis – A new spine stapling surgery at Le Bonheur Children’s has given new alternatives to children with scoliosis. The procedure, which helps redirect the growth of the spine, is offered at only 10-15 major pediatric spine centers in the country. The procedure requires a multi-disciplinary team that uses a small camera known as a thoracosope inside the patient’s chest. Through three to four half-inch incisions in the chest wall, temperature-sensitive staples are placed into the spine to help it grow straight. This procedure promotes growth on the concave side of the spine, and requires a hospital stay of one to two days. Children usually resume normal activities within several months of surgery.

For more information please contact: Jennifer Parris , 901.287.6030