While your child is being treated in the Blood and Marrow Transplant (BMT) Unit, she will be receiving care from a number of health-care professionals. These are very skilled and caring people who are committed to family-centred care. They also respect the individual needs of your child and your family.
How do you tell who's who at the hospital?
It can be very difficult to tell by the clothes health-care professionals wear what they do at the hospital. Many health-care professionals wear scrubs or white coats, not just nurses and doctors. But all hospital staff are required to wear identification badges that include their name and their area of specialty. If you are not sure what somebody does, do not be afraid to ask them.
The health-care professionals who will look after your child usually work in teams. They work together to provide your child the best possible care before, during, and after your child’s BMT.
Nursing team
- clinical nurse specialist
- nurse practitioner
- advanced practice nurse (APN)
- BMT or immunology nurse coordinator
- apheresis/dialysis nurses
Medical and surgical teams
They generally include the following people:
- haematologist
- immunologist
- doctors in training
Family support team
- social worker: This is a specialist in counselling, therapy, and finding resources.
- interpreter: This person helps families talk with health-care professionals about the child’s medical condition in their first language.
- chaplain: Members of the chaplaincy, or spiritual care department, offer spiritual, pastoral, and sacramental care to patients, families, and staff.
- bioethics consultant: This specialist can help parents who have concerns about ethical or moral issues having to do with their child’s care.
- patient representative: This person helps you deal with questions or concerns you may have about your child's care. This is a person you can turn to for information and help, especially when you do not know who in the hospital to talk to about a particular problem.
- child life specialist: This person helps children and parents understand the hospital environment and prepare for procedures and surgery. They have special training and experience in child and family development and the effects of illness and hospitalization.
Other team members
- dietitian: This person knows a lot about nutrition, and can make sure your child is getting enough nutrition.
- pharmacist: health-care professional with special expertise in drug preparation, administration, and storage.
- physiotherapist: This person may be involved in assessing your child’s activity level and how they are developing.
- occupational therapist: This person also looks at your child’s development and can help with any feeding issues.
- blood bank: This team is made up of doctors and lab technologists. They are specially trained to handle blood products and stem cells.
- housekeeping: They play an important part in making sure the hospital environment is clean.
- teachers: They can help support your child in learning activities.