INDIANAPOLIS – Patients at Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health will be given the chance to play the role of doctor today, when the Simon Family Tower lobby is transformed into a Teddy Bear Clinic. Patients will be bringing in stuffed animals for a checkup and will also have the opportunity to help “heal” a Riley at IU Health physician or medical student.

The event will coincide with “Child Life Week” at the hospital, a weeklong celebration for patients and families in honor of the Riley at IU Health Child Life team. These specially trained professionals use play and self-expression activities—letting patients be the doctor, for example—to help children understand their medical illness and cope with the anxiety and uncertainty they may experience during hospitalization.

“We strive to help kids be kids in spite of challenging circumstances,” said Melissa Sexton, Riley at IU Health Child Life specialist. In addition to staffing more than 20 Child Life specialists—three of whom are certified in massage therapy—Riley at IU Health offers a range of creative healing techniques, such as art therapy, music therapy and dance-movement therapy.

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About Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health For more than 85 years, Riley at IU Health has been one of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals. Each year, Riley at IU Health provides compassionate care, support and comfort to 215,000 inpatients and outpatients from across Indiana, the nation and the world. Part of Indiana University Health, Riley at IU Health enjoys a unique partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine, which gives our highly skilled physicians access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology. Discover the strength at rileyhospital.org.

Signage will be placed along main routes to Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health to guide visitors through detours, which are detailed in this map.

We apologize for the inconvenience. If you have any questions, please call the Riley Information Desk at 317.944.4807.

INDIANAPOLIS - Parents magazine today named Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health one of the top pediatric standouts in the United States. The magazine ranked Riley at IU Health 11th overall and extended particular recognition to the hospital in two pediatric specialty areas, ranking it 4th in the nation in neonatal care, and 7th in pulmonary care.

Riley at IU Health was the only Indiana children's hospital to be included in the magazine's rankings of overall quality and specialty care, which considered everything from family-friendliness of facilities to treatment success and groundbreaking research in key areas.

In addition to this recognition by Parents magazine, Riley at IU Health is nationally recognized by U.S.News & World Report, and ranked in 10 out of 10 pediatric specialties in the publication's 2012-2013 edition of Best Children's Hospitals.

"We are proud to be honored by Parents magazine," said Dr. Jeff Sperring, president and chief executive officer of Riley at IU Health. "This type of outside recognition earned by our hospital and our neonatal and pulmonary care teams speaks to the deep commitment of our physicians, nurses, researchers and staff to providing the highest level of care to the children and families that we serve every day."

Judged to be among the nation's elite by Parents magazine, Riley at IU Health's neonatal care team routinely cares for newborns and infants facing the most complex medical and surgical problems. Staffed round-the-clock by experts, Riley at IU Health's Level 4 neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) is equipped to deliver the highest level of care, any time-day or night. Accordingly, a large proportion of its patients are transported from hospitals throughout the state. This summer, Riley at IU Health will unveil a new NICU in the Simon Family Tower  - complete with 60 private rooms, each with a designated parent sleep space - strengthening the hospital's longstanding tradition of providing family-centered care.

Ranked 7th in country by Parents magazine, Riley at IU Health's pulmonary care team is nationally recognized for the diagnosis and treatment of infants, children and adolescents with asthma, cystic fibrosis and other complex breathing disorders. The hospital's pediatric pulmonary program is home to the world's largest pediatric sleep disorders center and one of the largest cystic fibrosis centers in the country. The team is actively studying ways to stave off lung damage in children suffering from cystic fibrosis and other lung conditions, and its pediatric asthma research has accelerated the availability of innovative treatments to certain patients with the condition. The program's high-risk asthma clinic - aimed at children and teens whose asthma is the cause of frequent hospitalizations and life-threatening episodes - has reduced hospitalizations and emergency department visits among those patients by more than 50 percent and 30 percent, respectively.

The Parents magazine rankings are now available online and will be published in the March 2013 print issue. Since 2009, the last time the publication released its rankings, Riley at IU Health has moved up in the standings from 16th to 11th overall. The rankings, generated by Parents editors with input from a team of medical advisers, were based on numerous factors derived from children's hospitals' responses to a comprehensive survey. All surveyed hospitals were members of the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions.

The Riley at IU Health policy states:

• Only parents, primary caregivers and spiritual counselors may visit patients at this time.
• Siblings and visitors under 18 years of age will not be allowed to visit patients.
• We are not allowing visitors who have flu-like symptoms, such as fever, cough, chills or muscle aches.
• We will ask visitors to wash their hands or use hand sanitizer often, especially when entering and exiting a patient’s room.
• If individuals come to our facilities to be treated for flu-like symptoms, they will be asked to wear a surgical or isolation mask.
• We recommend if you are sick to stay home.
• IU Health is also asking families to limit the number of relatives and friends accompanying patients to its emergency departments, outpatient surgery waiting rooms and procedure areas, and primary care and specialist physician offices.

This policy will be reviewed at the end of January in conjunction with the Marion County Public Health Department and the Indianapolis-area hospitals involved with Indianapolis Patient Safety Coalition.

For information on the flu and how to care for yourself and others, visit Know What To Do About the Flu, www.flu.gov.

"Our goal is to provide the very best, cutting-edge care to Hoosier children and beyond," said Dr. Mark Cain, chief of pediatric urology at Riley at IU Health.

Toward that end, the approximately 2,220 pound da Vinci ® Surgical System was carefully transported to Riley at IU Health through underground tunnels, marking a milestone in the hospital's efforts to deliver innovative, state-of-the-art therapies to its patients. While children have previously undergone robotic procedures at IU Health adult facilities, "We're strengthening Riley by bringing the robot to our home court," where everything from patient rooms to pain medications are specially designed for children, said Dr. Benjamin Whittam, a pediatric urologist and robotic surgery specialist at Riley at IU Health. That "home-court advantage" makes it possible to extend the technology to younger and younger patients, for whom between-hospital transfers are difficult.

Ranked third in the nation by U.S. News & World Report, Riley at IU Health's pediatric urology department is already highly regarded for its ability to care for the most common and complex urological conditions. Robotic surgery will enhance that capacity, said Dr. Cain. For now, his team will be the only group offering the technology at Riley at IU Health. They will bring the robot over on a monthly basis to perform pyeloplasties, which repair blockages in the tubes that drain urine from the kidneys, and ureteral reimplant surgeries, which correct a defect that allows urine to backwash into kidneys.

The hope, said Dr. Cain, is for Riley at IU Health to acquire its own free-standing robot and to potentially expand its use beyond pediatric urology. Still, neither every procedure nor every patient will be a good candidate for robotic surgery.

Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health and Andrew Luck, quarterback for the Indianapolis Colts, are joining forces to help improve the health and wellness of Indiana children. Together, Riley Hospital and Luck will design a statewide program coined “Change the Play,” that will focus on encouraging kids to make better choices in the areas of physical fitness, nutrition and education.

Riley and Luck share a vision of improving the future of our state by creating healthier communities. To realize this vision, Riley and Luck aim to motivate children by giving them the information and tools necessary to make healthy choices each and every day.

“This is an ambitious goal but if anyone can make a difference, I believe it will be Riley and Andrew working together,” said Dr. Jeff Sperring, president and CEO of Riley at IU Health. “In addition to caring for our patients, we want to see all Hoosier kids grow healthier, stronger, happier. We feel it’s our responsibility to give every child access to the best information and advice, and Andrew is a great role model. He has a lot of great ideas and infectious enthusiasm and we’re looking forward to shaping this program together.”

For Andrew, physical and mental health are philosophically intrinsic. His parents, Oliver and Kathy, raised Andrew and his three siblings with the mindset of making good choices each day. They were instrumental in instilling the importance of exercise and healthy eating from a very early age. Now that Andrew has settled into Indianapolis and his first season is underway, he is ready to extend support to a cause he feels passionate about.

“I know the importance of having good role models in your life,” said Luck. “As a kid I was fortunate that my parents embraced a healthy lifestyle and encouraged us to be physically and mentally active, using sport as play. They taught us the benefit of exercise, good nutrition and informed decision making which helped me develop a strong foundation. I believe that by working with Riley, we can help make that kind of difference in the lives of Indiana kids and I am looking forward to it."

The Riley/Luck “Change the Play” initiative is a minimum four-year partnership and will include programs such as sports performance camps, educational tools for kids and Luck speaking engagements.

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About Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health For more than 85 years, Riley at IU Health has been one of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals. Each year, Riley at IU Health provides compassionate care, support and comfort to 215,000 inpatients and outpatients from across Indiana, the nation and the world. Part of Indiana University Health, the unique partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine gives our highly skilled physicians access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology. Discover the strength at rileyhospital.org.

Starting Sept. 10, Riley at IU Health will offer specialty care at The South Bend Clinic. Riley at IU Health physicians will provide services in Cardiology, Diabetes and Endocrinology, Gastroenterology, Neurology, and Rheumatology at 211 N. Eddy St. in South Bend.

“We have a longstanding history of treating and caring for children in northern Indiana and we remain committed to their health and well-being,” said Dr. Jeff Sperring, president and chief executive officer, Riley at IU Health. “The only change now is where patients and families can see our Riley specialists.”

“We are happy to be able to expand the comprehensive pediatric services offered and enhance the lives of children and their families,” said Dr. Dan Brier, pediatrician and Department Chair of Pediatric Service at The South Bend Clinic.

Riley at IU Health is consistently named one of the nation’s top children’s hospitals and ranked in 10 out of 10 specialties by U.S.News & World Report in 2012–13 Best Children’s Hospitals.

Patients and families with questions should contact their Riley at IU Health physician in Indianapolis.

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About Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health For more than 85 years, Riley at IU Health has been one of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals. Each year, Riley at IU Health provides compassionate care, support and comfort to 215,000 inpatients and outpatients from across Indiana, the nation and the world. Part of Indiana University Health, our unique partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine gives our highly skilled physicians access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology.
 

About The South Bend Clinic The South Bend Clinic is a comprehensive, multi-specialty physician group serving the Michiana region for over 90 years. With over 100 medical and surgical providers in over 22 different specialty and primary care disciplines, the Clinic is the largest medical group in northern Indiana and southwestern Michigan. Clinic physicians have long been leaders in innovative care delivery, offering the community’s most comprehensive scope of primary care to pediatric, adult and geriatric patients, complemented by an array of subspecialists in cancer, musculoskeletal care, cardiac and vascular care, and numerous surgical and medical subspecialties.

This is the latest phase to open in the Simon Family Tower – a 10-story, 675,000 square-foot addition to Riley at IU Health, designed to boost capacity, increase efficiency and enhance patient satisfaction. Patients moved into rooms on the seventh, eighth and ninth floors of the building in January 2011.

WHAT TO KNOW:

• Riley at IU Health now has a new main entrance: 705 Riley Hospital Drive.
• Both the inpatient and outpatient entrances to Riley at IU Health are now on the same street: Riley Hospital Drive.
• The new Simon Family Tower Parking Garage, which is attached to the lobby, offers validated discounted parking for parents and guardians of Riley at IU Health patients.
• Riley at IU Health’s previous main entrance in the Atrium – 702 Barnhill Drive – will close to the public and become a service and delivery entrance only.

Work on the $475 million project began in summer 2006. In November 2007, the Simon family announced a $40 million gift toward the completion of the project. Economic conditions temporarily halted the project in early 2009 and work re-started in early 2010. Construction is scheduled for completion in December 2013.

MEDIA NOTE:
On Aug. 29, Indiana University Health, Riley at IU Health, Riley Children’s Foundation, donors and staff will join the Simon family and other dignitaries for a formal celebration of the project. The media will be invited. Tours and interviews will be offered at that time.

Pictures of the new main entrance, lobby and parking garage are available upon request.

Naming Conventions:
*New legal name. First reference: Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health
**Second reference: Riley at IU Health
 

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About Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health For more than 85 years, Riley at IU Health has been one of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals. Each year, Riley at IU Health provides compassionate care, support and comfort to 215,000 inpatients and outpatients from across Indiana, the nation and the world. Part of Indiana University Health, our unique partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine gives our highly skilled physicians access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology.

“We echo the recommendation from the American Academy of Pediatrics that families should attend community firework displays rather than putting on their own,” said Dr. Elizabeth Weinstein, Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Riley at IU Health. “People don’t realize that all fireworks pose a safety threat and significant injuries have been reported with all types – even the ones marketed as ‘safe’ or appropriate for children.”

Of the estimated 9,600 firework injuries treated in emergency rooms nationwide in 2011, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) says about a quarter of those were to children under age 15. Fireworks can result in severe burns, scars, disfigurement and even death.

“You can never be too careful with fireworks. For instance, don’t let size fool you. Sparklers, bottle rockets and small firecrackers actually cause serious injuries,” Weinstein said. “And contrary to what some might think, malfunctioning fireworks only contribute to some of the reported injuries. Bystanders and children are often hurt as well.”

If parents and neighbors insist on using fireworks at home, Riley at IU Health and the CPSC recommend these precautions to help ensure a safe celebration:

• Make sure fireworks are legal in your area before buying or using them.
• Avoid buying fireworks that come in brown paper packaging as they could be intended for professional displays and pose a danger to consumers.
• Keep all children at a distance from fireworks and never allow them to play with or ignite fireworks.
• Adults should always supervise fireworks activities – never leave children unattended with fireworks.
• Take care with sparklers – they burn at temperatures of about 2,000 degrees and injure many children.
• Light one item at a time then move back to a safe distance immediately.
• Never have any portion of your body directly over a fireworks device when lighting the fuse.
• Never carry fireworks in a pocket or shoot them off in metal or glass containers.
• Never point or throw fireworks at another person.
• Never try to re-light or pick up fireworks that have not fully burned.
• Keep a bucket of water or a garden hose handy in case of fire or other mishap.
• After fireworks complete their burning, douse the spent device with plenty of water from a bucket or hose before discarding to prevent a trash fire.

For more information or to interview Dr. Elizabeth Weinstein, please call Kit Werbe at 317.963.7692.

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About Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health For more than 85 years, Riley at IU Health has been one of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals. Each year, Riley at IU Health provides compassionate care, support and comfort to 215,000 inpatients and outpatients from across Indiana, the nation and the world. Part of Indiana University Health, our unique partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine gives our highly skilled physicians access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology.

INDIANAPOLIS – U.S. News & World Report is out with its annual Best Children’s Hospitals rankings and Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health has again ranked in 10 out of 10 specialties nationally and is the only facility ranked in the state of Indiana.

“We’ve long known that we have the most dedicated and skilled physicians and nurses on our team. Rankings like this are confirmation from our colleagues in children’s healthcare around the country of the extraordinary care that our team provides for our children and their families,” said Dr. Jeff Sperring, president and chief executive officer, Riley at IU Health. “It’s a privilege to be entrusted with the care of so many children who need us and we never take that for granted.”

Riley at IU Health ranks in 2012-13 Best Children’s Hospitals as follows:

• Urology – 3rd
• Pulmonology – 10th
• Neurology & Neurosurgery – 14th
• Nephrology – 18th
• Cardiology & Heart Surgery – 19th
• Orthopedics – 20th
• Diabetes & Endocrinology – 21st
• Gastroenterology – 22nd
• Cancer – 28th
• Neonatology – 32nd

The rankings are the most extensive listing of their kind and feature 50 children’s hospitals in 10 pediatric specialties: cancer, cardiology and heart surgery, diabetes and endocrinology, gastroenterology, neonatology, nephrology, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics, pulmonology, and urology.

“When a child is sick or injured, parents want the best possible care, the most highly-skilled physicians and access to the latest, most innovative treatments. We’re proud to be a leader in pediatric care and serve the children of Indiana, and the nation,” said Daniel F. Evans, Jr., president and CEO, Indiana University Health. “We’re pleased to earn this distinction because we’re passionate about what we do and it’s an honor to be recognized nationally by our peers.”

This year, U.S. News surveyed 178 pediatric centers to obtain hard data such as availability of key resources and ability to prevent complications and infections. The hospital survey made up 75 percent of the rankings. The remaining 25 percent came from a separate reputational survey in which 1,500 pediatric specialists—150 in each specialty—were asked where they would send the sickest children in their specialty.

The rankings are available online and will be published in the U.S. News Best Hospitals 2013 guidebook, available on newsstands Aug. 28.

For interviews or more information, call Kit Werbe at 317.963.7692.

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About Riley Hospital for Children at Indiana University Health For more than 85 years, Riley at IU Health has been one of the nation’s leading children’s hospitals. Each year, Riley at IU Health provides compassionate care, support and comfort to 215,000 inpatients and outpatients from across Indiana, the nation and the world. Part of Indiana University Health, our unique partnership with the Indiana University School of Medicine gives our highly skilled physicians access to innovative treatments using the latest research and technology.