Support Services

Child life program

The child life program at St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital teaches children effective ways to manage strain and anxiety caused by living with a chronic illness. As a part of this program, a child life specialist educated in child development initiates age-appropriate play activities, which can help children cope with the emotional stress of treatment for cancer or a blood disorder.

Additional services offered by child life include:

• School visits to educate classmates about a child's diagnosis and treatment plan
• Pre-radiation support to lessen patient anxiety
• Procedural support and distraction
• Coordination of summer camps offered locally and nationally
• Holiday events
• Coordination of donations and volunteer activities

Psychosocial support

Children and families at St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital benefit from the support resources of the entire Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center group.

Novant Health Kemp Bessant Cancer Support Center

The Novant Health Kemp Bessant Cancer Support Center offers educational and support resources to children battling cancer and their families. The facility aims to minimize the impact of cancer and offer patients, parents and siblings productive ways to cope and express their emotions.

The Novant Health Kemp Bessant Cancer Support Center is a community cancer support program offering support groups, counseling services, educational programs, and a resource library for individuals diagnosed with cancer, their families, and friends. Programs embrace honest and open communication in a warm and safe environment, allowing participants to express their concerns, learn more about cancer, and find answers to their questions.

Learn more about the Novant Health Kemp Bessant Cancer Support Center, or call 704-384-5223.

Financial support

Caring for a child with cancer or a blood disorder can put financial stress on any family. St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital understands this, and works closely with the social workers at Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center to make sure families are aware of the resources available to them.

Social workers provide information about financial aid, as well as transportation and lodging options. They know about assistance and support programs in the hospital and in the community.

Please let the clinic front desk receptionist know if you want to speak with a social worker. The main number is 704-384-1900 or toll free at 1-800-786-1638.

Hospitalization

Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital offers child-centered care from admission to discharge. Large family rooms feature a parent bed, private bathroom, kitchen area and television. A colorful playroom for younger children offers age-appropriate toys and activities, while a teen lounge provides video games and entertainment for older patients.

Should your child ever need care at Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital, your physician here at the clinic will stay in close contact with doctors and nurses at the hospital to make sure care is seamless.

• Pediatric intensive care unit
• Intensive care nursery
• Children's emergency room

Spiritual care

Our clinic works with Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center to offer spiritual care services whenever they are needed. Through Presbyterian Medical Center, we are able to offer chaplaincy services 24 hours to provide spiritual guidance and support. Services offered include individual and group prayer, counseling, support with end-of-life issues and decisions, grief and bereavement counseling, and telephone consultations.

Chaplaincy services can be reached directly at 704-384-4168 (and after 5:00 pm and weekends at 704-384-4000). You can also request services through our office at 704-384-1900.

Advice for parents and caregivers

Parents and caregivers can be some of the best sources of support for children being treated for cancer or blood disorders. We encourage parents to play an active role in the management of their child's health, treatment and recovery. If you have questions about your child's diagnosis or treatment, or how to talk to them about it or answer their questions, call our office at 704-384-1900. We are happy to direct you to resources that will help you support your child, your family and yourself during treatment.

Some tips for handling your child's first treatment for cancer or a blood disorder:

• Remain with your child to reassure him or her during treatment.
• Stay calm. If your child sees that you are calm, chances are he or she will be, too
• Cuddle your child or talk softly in a reassuring tone.
• Give your child permission to cry or yell. Avoid shaming him or her for being upset. Just remind your child that it's his or her job to stay still during the treatment.
• During the treatment, give your child something else to focus on. Our child life specialists will be on hand to help with this as well. We have all sorts of games, toys and movies in our infusion suite so you will have plenty to do. There is no excuse to be bored or even stay focused on a treatment. Remind your child she can often read a favorite book or do a puzzle during a treatment.
• Give your praise and encouragement when the treatment is over. And with the help of our treasure chest, we'll do the same!