New at Ruth Rappaport Children's Hospital – Colorful Chemotherapy Infusion Stands
June 7, 2021 – Colorful new infusion stands for chemotherapy are adding an element of fun to the Joan & Sanford Weill Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation in Ruth Rappaport Children's Hospital at Rambam Health Care Campus.
Those who visited the Joan & Sanford Weill Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation at Ruth Rappaport Children's Hospital this morning glimpsed a particularly colorful therapeutic innovation that has recently come into use for the benefit of young patients – designed chemotherapy infusion stands for children that can also be used to help the child move around the department.
Inspired by urban street art, these specially designed chemotherapy infusion stands turn sterile medical devices into a playful experience, reducing some of the fear associated with treatment, and introducing a bit of fun into a procedure that can be intimidating for anyone, especially young children. The recently launched project is a joint effort of Rambam's pediatric medical staff and the Haifa and Northern Israel branch of Combating Cancer Together, an organization for the parents of children suffering from cancer. These whimsical chemotherapy infusion stands were designed by Tomer Fadael, a graduate of the Shenkar School of Design in Ramat Gan.
The chemotherapy infusion stands are the same as those ordinarily used in the department, with one exception — a sturdy, wide circular platform with wheels has been attached to the base. Each platform is imprinted with a colorful drawing of a wild animal and sealed with a special material to allow for medical grade cleaning and disinfection. Each child undergoing chemotherapy treatment can choose a stand with their favorite animal and it will remain with them throughout their treatment in the department. These young children can stand on the platforms, making it safe and easy for their parents to move around the department without the tubes getting tangled up or accidentally stepped on. Most importantly, the children are provided with a fun distraction from their treatment.
The first child to try out the colorful new stand was Tevel Amsalem, age 2, from Karmiel. After choosing her favorite animal (an elephant), she could be seen happily “riding” around the department.
According to Fadael, who initiated the project, “At the heart of this undertaking was the desire to make things a little easier for the children undergoing this difficult treatment and for their parents, while maintaining safety and ease of use.”
Dr. Shifra Ash, the Director of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, explains, "The excitement of the children simply warms our hearts, especially when they stand on the colorful platform with a sparkle in their eyes – that is simply priceless!"
Bernard Zitock, President of Combatting Cancer Together, stated, "We all spend a great deal of time in this wonderful department and we see the unique needs of the children. The combination of the staff at Rambam and the creativity of Tomer Fadael gave birth to this amazing project. If we succeed in making things a little easier for these children on their road to recovery and placing a smile on their faces, then we are truly happy!"
In the photo: The designed chemotherapy infusion stands.
In the photo L-R: Tomer Fadael; Bernard Zitock; Ruthie Ofir, the division’s Head Nurse; Dr. Shifra Ash; Nofar and Shimon Amsalem, with their daughter Tevel.
Photography courtesy of Rambam Health Care Campus
Those who visited the Joan & Sanford Weill Division of Pediatric Hematology-Oncology and Bone Marrow Transplantation at Ruth Rappaport Children's Hospital this morning glimpsed a particularly colorful therapeutic innovation that has recently come into use for the benefit of young patients – designed chemotherapy infusion stands for children that can also be used to help the child move around the department.
Inspired by urban street art, these specially designed chemotherapy infusion stands turn sterile medical devices into a playful experience, reducing some of the fear associated with treatment, and introducing a bit of fun into a procedure that can be intimidating for anyone, especially young children. The recently launched project is a joint effort of Rambam's pediatric medical staff and the Haifa and Northern Israel branch of Combating Cancer Together, an organization for the parents of children suffering from cancer. These whimsical chemotherapy infusion stands were designed by Tomer Fadael, a graduate of the Shenkar School of Design in Ramat Gan.
The chemotherapy infusion stands are the same as those ordinarily used in the department, with one exception — a sturdy, wide circular platform with wheels has been attached to the base. Each platform is imprinted with a colorful drawing of a wild animal and sealed with a special material to allow for medical grade cleaning and disinfection. Each child undergoing chemotherapy treatment can choose a stand with their favorite animal and it will remain with them throughout their treatment in the department. These young children can stand on the platforms, making it safe and easy for their parents to move around the department without the tubes getting tangled up or accidentally stepped on. Most importantly, the children are provided with a fun distraction from their treatment.
The first child to try out the colorful new stand was Tevel Amsalem, age 2, from Karmiel. After choosing her favorite animal (an elephant), she could be seen happily “riding” around the department.
According to Fadael, who initiated the project, “At the heart of this undertaking was the desire to make things a little easier for the children undergoing this difficult treatment and for their parents, while maintaining safety and ease of use.”
Dr. Shifra Ash, the Director of Pediatric Hematology and Oncology, explains, "The excitement of the children simply warms our hearts, especially when they stand on the colorful platform with a sparkle in their eyes – that is simply priceless!"
Bernard Zitock, President of Combatting Cancer Together, stated, "We all spend a great deal of time in this wonderful department and we see the unique needs of the children. The combination of the staff at Rambam and the creativity of Tomer Fadael gave birth to this amazing project. If we succeed in making things a little easier for these children on their road to recovery and placing a smile on their faces, then we are truly happy!"
In the photo: The designed chemotherapy infusion stands.
In the photo L-R: Tomer Fadael; Bernard Zitock; Ruthie Ofir, the division’s Head Nurse; Dr. Shifra Ash; Nofar and Shimon Amsalem, with their daughter Tevel.
Photography courtesy of Rambam Health Care Campus
