Child Life Services

The mission of the Child Life department at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital is to advocate for the psychosocial, developmental, emotional and educational needs of all our patients and families. Child Life specialists strive to create a supportive environment, while helping empower patients and their families to make decisions affecting their care. If you have questions you can email our department manager, Kimberly Eighmey, at kimberly.eighmey@ssmhealth.com

We Believe in Family-Centered Care

At SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital, we believe that health care staff and the family are partners who work together to meet the needs of each child. Our health care teams strive to provide open communication with patients and families, while empowering families to participate in their child's health care journey.

Helpful tips for parents.

• Make sure your child is prepared for what is happening and has explanations in language he/she understands.
• Communicate with staff about your child’s unique needs and comfort measures. Staff are experts in health care, but you are the expert on your child. We encourage you to feel comfortable speaking up and advocating for your child’s individual needs.
• Write down questions to help remember your concerns when communicating with staff. It can also be helpful to write down staff names, roles, and the information they share with you.

Make a Gift to Child Life Services

Donations of toys, games, stuffed animals and crafts are always welcome throughout the year and are things we rely on to make the hospital a more kid friendly place.

Donations make it possible for a child’s hospital experience to be a positive one. Patients and families are very appreciative of all gifts and are touched by your generosity to help make the hospital stay more comfortable.