The Reading Hospital Foundation (RHF) awarded grants totaling $346,502 to initiate seven new programs benefiting patients and employees at Reading Hospital. Projects being funded include:
- How Do You Eat An Elephant? will support the stroke therapy program. Patients will be given a small stuffed elephant and a printed copy of the story of a stroke patient's strength and resilience. Funding will also be used to create a video of a patient’s successful stroke journey to be shared with recovering patients.
- Bike to Beds will support the purchase of in-bed cycling equipment for patients at Reading Hospital to improve function and mobility and aid in recovery of acute patients.
- Emotional Support for Pediatric Emergency Room Patients will provide a certified Child Life Specialist in the Pediatric Emergency Department who will utilize evidence-based tools to reduce fear and anxiety in pediatric patients, especially those patients with developmental disabilities.
- Play Catch: An Innovative Approach to Therapy, Mobilization, and Recovery will purchase therapy balls for patients to use during inpatient therapy, which can be taken home by the patient following discharge for additional therapy.
- Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program will train hospital staff who are part of the Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM) on Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). This program will initially focus on training care for the caregivers who can then teach other staff in MBSR.
- Nurse Call Tracking and Assignment Boards will purchase communication boards for nursing floors to help improve patient communication and safety. The communication boards will help quickly identify call lights and patient requests for assistance.
- Pathways Initiative is a series of programs designed to provide healthcare career exploration opportunities for local students. Reading Hospital's programs have an additional focus on supporting students belonging to racial and ethnic minorities and those that are traditionally underrepresented.
"I thank the Reading Hospital Foundation and the generous donors who make these programs possible," said Charles F. Barbera, MD, Reading Hospital President and CEO.
"Our team members are our greatest asset and I am proud this grant program provides them another opportunity and resources to make a direct impact in the care and recovery of their patients," said Dr. Barbera.
Katherine Thornton, President, Reading Hospital Foundation, added, "What’s unique about Reading Hospital Foundation is that all generous gifts we receive stay right here in Berks County and benefit our patients, caregivers, family, friends, community, and team members. We are thankful to the grateful patients, community members, and employees that support our efforts to make our community a healthier place to live."
About Reading Hospital
Reading Hospital is the flagship, Magnet Recognized, acute care hospital of Tower Health. Located in West Reading, Pa., Reading Hospital is a 697-bed hospital that is home to many top-tier specialty care centers, including Reading HealthPlex, McGlinn Cancer Institute, Miller Regional Heart Center, Emergency Department, Level I Trauma Center and Beginnings Maternity Center, which houses the region's only Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU). With more than 1,000 physicians, specialists, and advanced practice providers across 49 locations, Reading Hospital has been recognized for its quality outcomes and clinical expertise across services lines. It is listed as one of America's 100 Best Hospitals for four consecutive years (and moving up to America’s 50 Best Hospitals in 2022) and received a 5-Star Rating from CMS two years in a row. For more information, visit towerhealth.org.