Newsworthy

Dear Community Partners,

Here are today’s updates:

• Sailing in with Stormont Vail Fun
• “To Your Health” on WIBW-TV Tonight – Dr. Mehmood Hashmi

Sailing in with Stormont Vail Fun

A visit to the hospital by younger visitors – often to meet a new sibling or see a hospitalized family member – can sometimes be stressful. Stormont Vail Health’s Topeka hospital has recently added a play area to help youngsters have a little fun.

While not exactly the Good Ship Lollipop near the beach of Peppermint Bay, the colorful play equipment in the shape of a ship is still a sweet treat for children and families wanting a recreational break. A lovely fountain nearby in the South Courtyard of the hospital even provides the sounds of water, making it feel even more like a ship moving across the sea.

“It’s a good play area in an outdoor setting while being conscientious about space,” says Francine Gollub, MBA, CCLS, CPST, Child Life Specialist in Pediatrics. “It features a tic-tac-toe board, steering wheels, and port holes to climb through walls in the shape of a ship.”

Francine said in addition to visitors, the Pediatrics team sometimes will get provider permission for a patient to go outside to the courtyard, which now includes the playground.

“I personally think it is a good option for pediatric patients who are able to be mobile and be aware of their surroundings, as well as children visiting the hospital,” she said.

The new ship playground had to navigate some choppy waters getting to Stormont Vail as the plan for it was initially developed just before the COVID-19 pandemic arrived in 2020. A grant was secured by the Stormont Vail Foundation from Ace Hardware to install the equipment, but pandemic lockdowns stalled the project. Now that COVID has been docked, the project course-corrected, with smooth sailing to completion.

“The Courtyard play area really looks great,” says Amy Burns, President and Executive Director of the Stormont Vail Foundation. “We appreciate everyone who helped us get the project to the finish line – and we know kids will love it.”

“To Your Health” on WIBW-TV Tonight – Dr. Mehmood Hashmi

In recognition of July being Men’s Health Month, Mehmood Hashmi, M.D., hematologist/oncologist at the Cotton O’Neil Cancer Center, shares information about prostate cancer screenings and the importance of men having regular medical checkups and screenings during an interview with WIBW-TV., Dr. Hashmi’s interview will air tonight on WIBW-TV’s “To Your Health” segment. The segment will be at 10 p.m. on WIBW-TV, Channel 13. The segment will typically repeat at 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. Fridays on 13 News This Morning and be posted on wibw.com.

We together,

Dr. K