An initiative to bring some comfort to patients and parents at Rockyview General Hospital is underway. A number of comfort carts are roaming the halls of the hospital, offering simple items to ease a hospital stay. That includes snacks, coffee, reading materials and hygiene items like toothbrushes. The program started in 2018 at the Foothills and Peter Lougheed hospitals but is new to Rockyview. So far, responses from families have been positive. “he carts are more than supplies or distractions. They create an opportunity to connect with our patients’ families when support is needed most,” said Pauline Rabi, patient care manager for RGH’s Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU), one of the areas visited by Comfort Cart volunteers, in an AHS release. “Volunteers who circulate the carts engage with NICU patients’ families, help brighten their day, and remind them they are not alone in their NICU journey.” Comfort carts make the rounds Wednesdays and Saturdays at Rockyview. Anyone interested in volunteering can visit AHS.ca/volunteers
