A Tradition of Caring
For 100 years, Providence Health System in Alaska has cared for the health needs of Alaskan families, ensuring that Alaskans receive the highest quality care available. In the mid 90's, with the focus on the care of Alaska's children, discussions started for the creation of a Children's Hospital.  The Children's Hospital at Providence opened in 1998 and operates as a hospital within a hospital.  Newly remodeled, the Children's Hospital supports the philosophy and delivery of family-centered care.

Blending Technology and Experience
At the core of the specialized care available through Children's Hospital at Providence is an experienced team of physicians, nurses and medical professionals providing a wide range of health care services.  These include:

· Pediatric Medical and Surgical Care
· Level III Pediatric Intensive Care
· Maternity Services
· Perinatal Services
· Level III Newborn Intensive Care
· Pediatric Sub-specialty Clinics
· Children's Cancer Center
· Center for Children with Special Health Needs
· Pediatric Occupational, Physical and Speech Therapy
· Alaska C.A.R.E.S. (child abuse evaluation services)

We also offer important support programs such as:

· Pediatric Night Call
· Family Resource Center
· Telemedicine
· Adolescent Behavioral Health
· Women, Infant and Child Nutritional Program (WIC)
· Safe Kids Program
· Youth and Wellness Program
· Child life services
· Collaborative relationship with Seattle Children's for subspecialty care

Family-Centered Care
The Children's Hospital at Providence sees the family and parent as an important part of every patient's health care team.  A parent knows their child best and offers valuable insight into the child's physical and mental well-being. Our health care providers use this information for diagnosis and treatment options for effective intervention. 

This philosophy is integral to the vision of the Children's Hospital and is the primary force for involving families in both program and policy recommendations. The results of the family-centered care initiative include hiring a Parent and Community Coordinator who works daily with families within the hospital and is responsible for supporting program services that help families and cope with hospitalizations. 

Two high function group of graduate parent volunteers provide diretion and service to families with children currently receiving services:

Parents for Parents
Parents for Parents started in the NICU in 1992 as a way for families to cope with the admission of a child to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit. Four charter members met and intitated the program by providing support by graduate parents brings comfort to families who currently have babies in the NICU.   Now grown to over 30 parent volunteers, this service is also available to families of pediatrics and PICU and the Children's Cancer Center.

Family Action Council (FAC)
The Children's Hospital at Providence works closed with families to provide the program to help them cope with chronic illness, special needs children needs, and acute care emergencies. Founded in 1997, the Family Action Council is composed of family members of Children's Hospital patients and hospital staff. Together we work to help create and maintain a focus of family-centered care.  As a group of families with special health care needs, the group maintains a respected position in the vision of the hospital.

Their vision is to be a voice for Alaska's children and families to:

Foster a high quality family-centered care

Identify evolving needs, develop innovative solutions, and provide continuing support for children and their families

Promote and sustain a proactive alliance between families and health care professionals at the Children's Hospital at Providence

Family Resource Library (FRL)
The Family Resources Library is located on the third floor of the hospital and is open Monday through Friday from 7:30 - 5:00.  Books, videos, fact sheets, reference materials, and health related Internet links is available for use or checking out.

Many special people helped to build this resource center.  A huge thank you goes to Beth F., Michelle S., and Caroline W. who helped to create and maintain the library web links. Thank you for your commitment to excellence and the project.

  If you would like information about any of these services, please contact Kris Green, Parent and Community Coordinator at (907) 261-5895 or email Kris at KGreen1@provak.org