Winthrop's Pediatric Patients Receive a Surprise Summer Visit

Mineola, NY – Helping to raise the spirits of hospitalized children, New York Dragons quarterback Aaron Garcia recently visited Winthrop-University Hospital’s Hagedorn Pediatric Inpatient Center. Meeting with each patient and their visitors, Mr. Garcia enthusiastically signed autographs before presenting the Center’s Child Life Program staff with an Xbox 360™ game console and accompanying football game for patients to enjoy during their hospital stay.

AnnMarie DiFrancesca, Child Life Program Director, Winthrop; and Aaron Garcia, New York Dragons quarterback.

Opened in April 2004, Winthrop’s Hagedorn Pediatric Inpatient Center includes bright, state-of-the-art patient rooms, a naturally lit 10-bed pediatric intensive care unit all with bedside sleeper sofas for parents; private, fully outfitted treatment rooms, and the inviting Mancino Child Life Activity Center that offers a procedure-free space for patients to relax and play in. And, all patient rooms are equipped with a television and video game consoles, which are provided free-of-charge.

The Center is staffed by Winthrop's skilled, board-certified pediatricians, specially trained nurses and support staff, and pediatric specialists, who are available as necessary. The team also includes certified Child Life Specialists, who engage patients in play in order to help them better understand medical procedures and deal with the anxiety and fear often associated with hospitalization and illness.

For more information about Winthrop’s Child Life Program or the Hagedorn Pediatric Inpatient Center, please call Ms. DiFrancesca at (516) 663-2761.