We produce many publications at Children's Hospital, from our annual story album to newsletters specifically for doctors. We offer as many of these as possible online. We think these publications give you a little extra information and can help you find the facts you're looking for. Plus, some of them are downright entertaining. Click on the links on the right to view.

What’s New at Children’s

Access to Care - Orthopaedics goes “Lean”

In 1998 Children’s Hospital Central California relocated to a much larger campus with room to grow. But within a few short years, outpatient services hit a nonstop growth spurt and began increasing in volume by over 10 percent annually.

Today, patient visits to the Hospital’s largest physician practice, the outpatient orthopaedic department, exceed 23,000 per year. The busy practice recently responded to the exponential growth by adopting a manufacturing philosophy known as “Lean management” to improve efficiency and quality of care.

Based on the Toyota Production System, Lean management emphasizes eliminating steps that do not add value to a process. The Hospital applied Lean management principles and introduced timesaving policies and procedures to the outpatient orthopaedic practice.

“We were frustrated that we were providing great care for sick kids, but the overall experience for the family was poor,” said Dr. Joseph Gerardi, medical director, orthopaedic surgery at Children’s. “It’s hard to impress a mom who has been waiting for two hours.”

Orthopaedic patients are now registered using an electronic kiosk that tracks them in real time. So far the new process has not only cut wait times in half, but also has led to a sequenced approach to patients requiring cast removals and X-ray services prior to seeing a physician.

New timesaving measures and infrastructure enhancements along with the experienced medical professionals in our outpatient orthopaedic practice, have helped make astounding progress in the Hospital’s efforts to minimize wait times and improve care delivery.

“I want to have fun when I come to work each day,” said Dr. Gerardi. “When things run smoothly we have happy patients, parents, staff and doctors!”

Within a few short months of implementing processes derived from Lean management principles, the Hospital’s largest physician practice is already providing quicker access to care. Soon other outpatient departments at Children’s will try going “Lean.”

Children’s Hospital Adaptive Sports Program

Central California’s abundant mountains, lakes and other recreational hotspots provide the perfect setting for water and snow skiing, kayaking, track and field, rock climbing, power soccer and more. A new program at Children's Hospital Central California puts these fun activities within reach of kids with physical disabilities.

"The access to sport is very limited for people with disabilities and it's such an important part of their well-being, their physical health, their emotional health," said Dr. Jennifer Crocker, medical director, Children’s pediatric rehabilitation center and leader of the new Children’s Hospital Adaptive Sports Program.

Passionate about engaging her patients and others with physical and health impairments in active recreation and sport, Dr. Crocker knows hard work and determination drive program participants to exceed expectations and achieve their dreams. “There’s a misconception that people with a physical disability can’t be active or competitive,” she said. “We work with each individual to show them what is possible.”

Participants learn what is possible

Board certified in physical medicine and rehabilitation by the American Academy of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Dr. Crocker significantly contributed to a similar project as assistant professor of pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation at Indiana University School of Medicine, Riley Hospital for Children, in Indianapolis. And now, our region’s children can enjoy the benefits of adaptive sports.

“Being involved in athletic activities helped me realize that even though something bad happens it’s not the end of the world,” said Desirée Vines, 19, a paraplegic and Children’s Hospital patient. “I can still do everything I could do – just in a different way.”

Children’s Hospital Adaptive Sports Program is free to all participants and geared toward disabled youth up to 21 years of age. Individuals with conditions ranging from cerebral palsy to spinal cord injuries and more build confidence and independence as they discover the thrill of participating in a variety of physically challenging activities.

“Participation in adaptive sports provides a sense of independence for these kids,” said Brent Poppen, U.S. Paralympics athlete. “They start to realize that with hard work, they can do things they didn’t think they could.”

Program launches at water ski clinic

In June 2011, the Adaptive Sports Program shifted from a staff-driven, volunteer summer clinic, to a formal hospital program. Wells Fargo contributed $75,000 to launch the effort. Children’s new Adventure Mobile, funded by a nearly $94,000 donation from Chukchansi Gold Resort and Casino and the County of Madera, helps transport participants to the clinics.

During last summer’s kickoff event, participants had the opportunity to ride a “sit ski” or wakeboard. Both were equipped with a seat and rigging to help with balance while providing an authentic water skiing experience.

Recently paralyzed, Allyson Woodyatt, 9, from Exeter had never water skied but she didn’t let that – or her disability – stop her from trying something new. She overcame her fear and decided to “go for it.”

“It was scary and awesome!” she exclaimed upon returning to her wheelchair.

Her proud and grateful mom, Joanna Woodyatt, said, “This clinic is very good because Ally sees something else she can do, that she hasn’t lost everything – she can still get in the water.”

Diagnosed at age 2 with muscular dystrophy, J.D. Davis, 12, from Clovis appreciated the “cool opportunity” to water ski. “I’ve never even been on a lake or a boat before,” said J.D. grinning after completing another run on the water. “Now I have.”

J.D.’s family knows the value of him taking part in as many activities as possible. “It’s nice to see him have access to the same kinds of things other kids do,” said Ketti Davis, J.D.’s mom, adding that her son receives pediatric care in pulmonology and cardiology for his condition at Children’s. “Now when his friends at school say they went to the lake he can say he did, too.”

Hospital pleased with support

The only one of its kind in Central California, Children’s Hospital Adaptive Sports Program relies heavily on volunteers to coach, mentor and assist, and on donations of funds, food and equipment. With continued contributions, the Hospital can look forward to building a long-term, self-sustaining program where children with similar physical disabilities and their families can find support, encouragement and friendship.

“This is what we’ve been working for,” said Paul Lebby, PhD, a neuropsychologist at Children’s who works with many rehabilitation patients. “Now we have a program.”

For more information on Children’s Hospital Adaptive Sports Program, call (559) 353-6130, email AdaptiveSports@ChildrensCentralCal.org or visit online.