2024 Children's of Alabama/UAB Annual Report

Patient Care, Quality & Safety

Book Vending Machine in Emergency Department

Trips to the emergency department can be difficult for pediatric patients, but a new addition at Children’s of Alabama is helping to ease their minds while also giving them a chance to learn. In August 2024, Children’s installed a book vending machine in its Emergency Department. While in the waiting room, children can receive a token to get a book from the machine. It’s a joint effort between the child life and volunteer services teams, and it promotes literacy while giving kids an activity during their wait. Since installation, the hospital has provided more than 5,400 books to families.

5 , 400 + books have been provided to families at Children’s since the installation

“Reading to hospitalized children can have profound healing effects, both emotionally and psychologically,” said Kathy Monroe, M.D., director of the Children’s Emergency Department. “The book vending machine has been a hit with our families and provides an additional tool to help children cope with a stressful doctor’s visit. We are thrilled to be able to promote reading and help children be less frightened during their stay!” Staff have heard many positive reviews about the experience, so far. Some families say it has helped their child pass the time; others say it’s taken the child’s mind off their injury or illness while they waited.

2024 Academic Annual Report

44