The Walt Disney Company announced today a plan to contribute $100 million to children’s hospitals over the next five years as part of their “Team of Heroes” outreach and philanthropy program. Disney is in the process of developing programs that will enhance the comfort of family experiences at hospitals where children are being treated for life threatening illness. Some of their plans include:
- A new RFID-based system allowing patients to customize their hospital visit by choosing their favorite Disney stories and characters, which will surround them during their stay. The system will also unlock special elements to further personalize and enhance the experience, such as “enchanted” artwork that comes alive.
- Themed treatment and patient rooms featuring interactive murals of Disney stories, bed linens and gowns featuring each child’s favorite characters, and personalized in-room entertainment. Additionally, well stocked mobile “play carts” will include Disney-themed games and activities to give families something to do together to help alleviate stress and boredom.
- Disney first-run movies and television shows, available both in-room and in themed pop up movie theaters in the hospital, along with other Disney entertainment options.
- Disney customer-experience training for doctors, nurses and staff. The renowned Disney Institute, a part of The Walt Disney Company that provides professional development training focused on leadership, employee engagement and high quality service, will create a customized program for healthcare professionals designed to foster a less stressful, patient and family-centric hospital experience.
The first hospital to work with Disney in this comprehensive new approach is Texas Children’s Hospital in Houston, Texas. As the largest children’s hospital in the United States, recognized as a national leader in pediatric health, Texas Children’s will add valuable insight in collaboration with Disney on these and other new experiences. “We are honored to be the inaugural hospital to collaborate with Disney on this exciting patient-focused initiative,” said Mark A. Wallace, President and CEO of Texas Children’s Hospital. “Patient care is at the center of our mission, and in addition to providing the highest-quality medical care to children, we strive to make the hospital experience as enjoyable and stress-free as possible for every patient and their family. We are looking forward to working with Disney to enhance our efforts in this area.”
The Walt Disney Company has been a long time supporter of children’s hospitals and wish granting organizations, having honored over 120,000 wishes. Disney’s “Team of Heroes” initiative is committed to bringing comfort and inspiration to communities and individuals in need.