Each room of Blank Children's Hospital was designed with children and families in mind.

In Your Room

Calling Your Caregiver
Our caregivers are devoted to your child's care and well-being while they are in the hospital. A button to call your caregiver is located on the bed rail or bedstand. When the button is pressed, the caregiver is alerted that assistance is needed. Restrooms have a call cord, which operates the same as the regular call button. Caregivers will respond to the call by coming to your child's room as quickly as possible.

Leaving Your Room
Blank Children's Hospital has guidelines to ensure the safety and security of our patients and families. The only personnel who should be taking your child from your room are employees and volunteers with proper identification. Proper identification is a photo ID with the UnityPoint Health - Des Moines logo. If you are unsure, call your caregiver.

Balloons
Latex or rubber balloons are the leading cause of material choking deaths in children. To maintain a safe environment, latex balloons are not allowed. Mylar balloons do not pose the same risk to children and are permitted throughout the hospital. Mylar balloons are available to purchase in the Guilded Cage Gift Shop located in the Iowa Methodist main lobby next to the information desk. Volunteers will deliver balloons to patient rooms.

Hand Hygiene
Proper hand hygiene helps prevnt the spread of germs and illnesses. Your caregivers will practice hand hygiene each time they enter your room. We expect you to do the same. Please wash your hands or use hand sanitizer before and after touching your child.

Flowers
Flowers may be purchased in the Guilded Cage Gift Shop located in the Iowa Methodist main lobby next to the information desk. Please ask if your child may have flowers as flowers are not allowed in patient rooms on the NICU, PICU or oncology unit. Volunteers make deliveries from florists to patient rooms. If you have questions, please call 241-6193.

Television and VCR/DVD
Televisions and VCR/DVD players are in each room.  A complete television listing is available - ask your  nurse for a copy.

Movies and Books
Movies and books are available on each unit for your child. Ask your caregiver for details. Feel free to bring movies and books from home.

Music
A CD/tape/radio player is available in each room. Please feel free to bring music from home or ask your child's caregiver to see what is available.

Personal Belongings
Please make sure your child's name is on all belongings. All personal items are placed in a bedside drawer or closet when not in use; this helps prevent loss or damage. Leaving valuables and cash in patient rooms is not recommended.

Quiet Time
Each unit has designated time each day when lights are dimmed and doors are closed to promote a time of rest. Check with your caregiver for the time on your unit.

Refrigerators
Each patient room has a small refrigerator. Please empty the refrigerator when you are discharged.

Room Temperature
In order for your child to be as comfortable as possible, you may either adjust your wall thermostat or ask your caregiver to adjust the temperature for you. If you have questions on how to operate the thermostat, please ask your caregiver.

Telephone
A telephone is available in each patient room. Family and friends may call your child's room directly by dialing the number shown on the phone.

Wireless Access
Wireless internet is available throughout the hospital free of charge during your stay. If you are having trouble gaining access, please call 1-877-374-0229 to listen to a recorded help message 24-hours a day.

White Boards
In each patient room there is a dry-erase white board. This board is used to help communicate information between families and the healthcare team. Please feel free to write questions for your caregivers on the board.