Cart brings Ronald McDonald House hospitality to bedside

LETHBRIDGE — A new Comfort Cart is now rolling through the halls at Chinook Regional Hospital (CRH), bringing support and comfort to families caring for a sick child.

The Comfort Cart moves between the prenatal clinic, NICU, pediatric, maternity/child, and labour/delivery units, offering snacks, coffee, reading materials, activity books, and hygiene items such as toothbrushes.

“The carts are more than supplies or distractions. They’re an opportunity to connect with our patients and their families when it’s needed most,” said Monica Whitehead, Director of Women’s and Children’s Health with Alberta Health Services (AHS). “Volunteers who circulate the carts engage with patients, help brighten their day, and remind them they are not alone in their journey.”

The initiative is made possible through support from the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Alberta. With Houses in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer, and Medicine Hat, the Comfort Cart brings Ronald McDonald House hospitality closer to home for families in Lethbridge.

“Families in Lethbridge are familiar with Ronald McDonald House, as dozens stay there each year when traveling for pediatric care,” said Natasha Tiemstra, Chief Operating Officer of Ronald McDonald House Alberta. “The Comfort Cart allows us to support more families outside the House, enhancing family-centred care at the bedside. The items we provide also support siblings visiting their hospitalized brother or sister.”

Comfort Carts are also available at the Foothills Medical Centre and Peter Lougheed Centre in Calgary, and at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. The CRH cart marks the first time Ronald McDonald House Alberta has partnered with a hospital foundation in this capacity to sustain ongoing operations.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to partner with Ronald McDonald House to bring the Comfort Cart to Lethbridge,” said Crystal Elliott, Chief Executive Officer of the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation. “Working with such a respected organization strengthens our team and ensures the impact of this initiative reaches even further into the community.”

The cart began circulating at CRH on Oct. 14 and will make rounds Monday through Friday. Volunteers are always welcome. Visit ahs.ca/volunteers to register.