Inside Pediatrics Spring 2015

Inside the Mind

Expands Psychiatric

When an Alabama family needs help for a child with mental illness, they don’t have a lot of options. Resources are limited, and demand for services, far exceeds the number of pediatric psychiatrists, psychologists, psychiatric nurses and therapists available to care for these children. Lack of insurance coverage for vital non-traditional services such as family therapy and intensive outpatient group therapy sessions, further complicates the situation. In June, 2014, Children’s of Alabama took a major step toward improving pediatric mental health services with the completion of The Ireland Center. Its namesake, the late Birmingham businessman Glenn Ireland, was a longtime advocate for mental health, and The Ireland Center represents an expansion of the family’s commitment to providing much-needed psychiatric care for those with mental illness. Located on an extensively remodeled floor of the hospital, The Ireland Center consolidates inpatient and most outpatient services in a safe, secure, updated setting. The attractive décor features a soothing oceanside theme. All patient rooms are private, hallways are wide, and dayrooms are brightly lighted and comfortably furnished. Most importantly, construction of The Ireland Center enabled Children’s to expand its inpatient psychiatric child- adolescent department to 34 beds. The changes to the unit go far beyond merely cosmetic. “We are working to change the culture of the unit,” said Beverly Brown, BSN, RN, who serves as department director for inpatient psychiatry. “Our goal is a more therapeutic experience for our patients. Most of our patients have experienced some sort of trauma in their lives. They are in crisis, and they desperately need a welcoming environment that provides some immediate comfort.”

10 A bright décor provides a soothing environment for the inpatient care provided by a team of psychiatrists, clinical psychologists, primary therapists, nurses and occupational therapists.