Reading Hospital Foundation funds new programs at Reading Hospital

The Reading Hospital Foundation is providing funding for seven new programs at Reading Hospital. 

The grants totaling $346,502 will fund: 

• How Do You Eat An Elephant? will support the stroke therapy program. Patients will be given a small stuffed elephant and a printed copy of the story of a stroke patients strength and resilience. Funding will also be used to create a video of a patient’s successful stroke journey to be shared with recovering patients.   
• Bike to Beds will support the purchase of in-bed cycling equipment for patients at Reading Hospital to improve function and mobility and aid in recovery of acute patients. 
• Emotional Support for Pediatric Emergency Room Patients will provide a certified, Child Life Specialist in the Pediatric Emergency Department who will utilize evidence-based tools to reduce fear and anxiety in pediatric patients, especially those patients with developmental disabilities. 
• Play Catch: An Innovative Approach to Therapy, Mobilization, and Recovery will purchase therapy balls for patients to use during inpatient therapy and then can be taken home by the patient following discharge for additional therapy. 
• Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Program will train hospital staff who are part of the Critical Incident Stress Management Team (CISM) on Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR). This program will initially focus on training care-for-the caregivers who can then teach other staff in MBSR. 

• Nurse Call Tracking and Assignment Boards will purchase communication boards for nursing floors to help improve patient communication and safety. The communication boards will help quickly identify call lights and patient requests for assistance. 
• Pathways Initiative is a series of programs designed to provide healthcare career exploration opportunities for local students. Reading Hospital’s programs have an additional focus on supporting students belonging to racial and ethnic minorities and those that are traditionally underrepresented. 

“I thank the Reading Hospital Foundation and the generous donors who make these programs possible,” said Dr. Charles Barbera, Reading Hospital president and CEO. “Our team members are our greatest asset and I am proud this grant program provides them another opportunity and resources to make a direct impact in the care and recovery of their patients.” 

Katherine Thornton, president, Reading Hospital Foundation said, “What’s unique about Reading Hospital Foundation is that all generous gifts we receive stay right here in Berks County and benefit our patients, caregivers, family, friends, community, and team members. We are thankful to the grateful patients, community members, and employees that support our efforts to make our community a healthier place to live.”