Published: Sept. 7, 2012
LANSING, Mich. - Music is providing special therapy to young patients at Sparrow Children's Center.
Sparrow is offering the youngsters access to iPods, iTunes libraries, and laptops to help make their visit more enjoyable and comfort them during medical procedures.
"Music is very therapeutic for all ages of people, young and old," said Erin Darnell, a Registered Nurse in Sparrow's Children's Center. "It's amazing how something as simple as a familiar song can make such a big difference in treatment. The Patients have really responded to it and the parents have been grateful."
"The music has helped the kids focus on something other than their medical treatment and has made their stay here a little easier," said Karen Restum, Pediatrics Manager. "These kids just want their lives to be as normal as possible. Whether they're listening to Justin Bieber, Miley Cyrus, or Selena Gomez, it's a small comfort we're happy to provide."
The equipment was purchased thanks to a generous donation from the Michigan State University Federal Credit Union. The Pediatrics Department plans to add more iPods in the coming months.
For more than a century, Sparrow has been a leader in caring for children. The first hospital in mid-Michigan to offer a dedicated children's unit, Sparrow today is home to the region's only full-service pediatric emergency department. As the region's Children's Miracle Network hospital, Sparrow is able to provide families the most advanced technology and treatment options in pediatric and neonatal care.