171 Ashley Ave.
Charleston, SC 29425
843-792-1414
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Family Centered Care: One Family's Story
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| Sam |
Fraternal twins Ellie and Sam Thompson were delivered prematurely on May 5, 2004. Their mom had endured seven
weeks on bed rest at MUSC, after initially beginning early labor at 25 weeks of pregnancy. Born at 33 and half
weeks gestation, Sam and Ellie initially did well. However, within hours they both took a turn for the worse and
were rushed to the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. Both were placed on respirators, IV's and monitors.
Within 24 hours Sam's condition worsened dramatically and he developed a PDA, PIE and required a jet ventilator
and a chest tube to survive. His parents were told that he was the sickest baby in the NICU and that he may not live
through the night.
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| Ellie |
The staff provided his parents with hourly updates as they maintained an all-night vigil at his isolette. Tears, prayers
and miraculous medicine saved Sam's life - he survived the night and began a very long journey to full recovery. His
parents credit Dr. Michael Southgate, Nurse Practitioner Robin Bissinger and their dedicated team for not only saving
Sam's life, but for supporting the family during a terrifying time.
"They treated us as equal partners in Sam's care. We were involved with every decision, and informed of every
change in his condition. We were scared to death…but never doubted for a moment that Sam was receiving the best care
in the world and that we were doing our part as parents to contribute. Words cannot express the depth of our
gratitude - they gave us our daughter and son - their lives are a gift we cherish every day." - Maggie Thompson
After four weeks, Ellie came home and began to grow and thrive. Two weeks later Sam came home, but required oxygen
and a monitor 24 hours a day. He soon developed complications and was back in the pediatric emergency room several
times. His mother was convinced that Sam suffered from acid reflux, and her instincts were correct. Sam finally
began to gain weight after beginning acid reflux medicines. His lungs took longer to heal, however, and he remained
on oxygen until he was five months old.
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| Big brother Nate with Sam |
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Big brother Nate with Ellie |
"I will never forget the day that Sam finally got off oxygen. Dr. John Cahill examined him in clinic that day,
and quickly agreed with me, and with Sam, that the time had come. I think Dr. Cahill recognized that in reality, I was
in charge of Sam's care - I had successfully managed a NICU at our house for five months. I knew my son best, and he
agreed with my 'diagnosis'. Sam has thrived ever since! This is a true example of Family Centered Care. Parents are
required to manage their child's care when they're discharged so the medical team should recognize the importance of
involving the parent at every level when the child is in the hospital. My children are living examples of the benefits
of this team approach." - Maggie Thompson
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| Sam and Ellie |
It takes a combination of modern medicine, miracles performed by talented and dedicated staff, and care provided by families
and parents to reach the best possible outcome for sick children. Everyone at MUSC Children's Hospital is dedicated to creating
this type of experience for patients and families who enter our doors.
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