Patient & Family Help Center
The Patient and Family Support Center exists to support patients' families during their experience at University Children's Hospital. We provide a helping hand and a welcoming refuge in the most difficult times during the hospital stay. We are motivated to offer comprehensive, free and accessible support to all patients and their families during hospitalization based on the availability of funds. Our goal is to be a constant source of support and comfort, providing a more bearable and human experience in the midst of adversity. The Patient and Family Help Center not only provides direct assistance to those in need, but also supports staff and residents, creating a more collaborative and empathetic environment at the Hospital.
According to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), in Puerto Rico, 55% of children live in poverty, so it is essential to eliminate the barriers that prevent families from thriving and children from reaching their full potential. Source: Youth Development Institute (2023).
More than 50% of the patients served by the University Pediatric Hospital come from families facing severe economic challenges, affecting their ability to meet basic needs during their children's hospitalization. Our center is here to support these families by offering services and resources at no cost to alleviate the emotional and practical impact of hospitalization. All patients and their caregivers are welcome to use our services (based on the availability of resources). We seek to provide a place where they feel at home and provide support every step of the way.
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Contact us
(787)474-0333 Ext. 7961
(787)329-2423
(939)450-7090
Our Services
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Distribution of necessary supplies during hospitalization.
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Cabinets with basic necessities for patients and caregivers.
Collection Center where donations are received are available to patients from groups, individuals or organizations.
​​Food vouchers valued at $10.00 each, for caregivers during their stay (based on funding availability). Aimed primarily at long-term caregivers and from towns outside the metro area.
Additional aid is offered through the Department of Social Work and/or the Nursing Directorate.
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Alliances are coordinated with external entities to provide additional services.
To facilitate communication, the center provides:
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Printer, fax and scanner service for family use.
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Support in English.
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Information about spiritual resources available in the hospital and community.
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Coordination for Telemedicine to patients in stay
prolonged according to the Teleped program.
Communication Needs
Electronic Equipment: • Ipads (14 units) • Tablets (10 units)
• Nintendo Switch (10 units) • Games • Books
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Playgrounds: • Equipped with TV • Electronic Games
• Toys • Frecuent Activities, attended by volunteers and specialists in CHILD LIFE (emotional support).
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Celebration and Special Events: Birthdays and holidays organized for patients and caregivers.
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Dog Therapy Visits: Recreational activities and visits for emotional relief.
Entertainment for Children and Teens
Who benefits from this program?
Comprehensive Support: Access to essential items, meal vouchers, and special aids, which eases the financial and emotional burden during hospitalization.
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Cozy Environment: A space designed to offer comfort and entertainment, with a playground, electronic equipment and recreational activities.
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Personalized Attention: Services tailored to each family's individual needs, provided at no cost.
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Stress Relief: Activities such as birthday celebrations and therapy dog visits that help reduce stress and anxiety.
Patients and Caregivers:
Work Facilitation: The center provides resources for communication and spiritual support, facilitating the work of staff in attending to the non-medical needs of families.
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Improved Work Environment: By relieving stress in patients and caregivers, it contributes to a more positive and collaborative environment in the hospital.
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Comprehensive Support Reinforcement: Provides a network of resources that complement medical care, allowing staff to focus on clinical care.
Hospital Personnel:
Enriching Experience: Opportunity to get involved in meaningful activities, such as playground support and event coordination.
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Positive Impact: It contributes to improving the hospital experience for patients, families and communities in general, promoting more comprehensive and humanized care.
For more information or to access our services, do not hesitate to contact the social workers or call our offices. We're here to support you every step of the way. *
*Some grants are subject to availability of funds.
Residents:
All our programs are measured by KPIs ("Key Performance Indicators") that allow us to evaluate your progress. With these indicators, we continuously monitor and improve the performance of our services, ensuring that we meet quality standards and achieve the established goals efficiently.
12K+ meals or caregivers during 2023.
(Estimated value at $65K).
880 welcome kits with basic necessities.
1,600 nights of entertainment with iPad including
Disney+.
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$100K+ in donations of items needed during a hospitalization.
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Provision of two playrooms – With safe spaces and in optimal conditions, supplied with suitable toys.
2023 Data
