The thought was simple. In order to effectively treat a patient, particularly a child, the health- care team must care for the patients and his or her family as one. The emotional support a family gives to a sick child as well as the mutual support among families in the same situation are invaluable.
The dream took shape in 1987 when NIH set aside two acres of land for the residence and later when Merck & Co., Inc. made a grant of $3.7 million to build the facility. The Children's Inn at NIH opened in June of 1990.
Patients and families have private living quarters and common living areas. The interior design addresses the very important communication links between patient and family---and family to family. In addition, The Children's Inn is located on the grounds of NIH, maximizing the ease of access to all of the resources of the Clinical Center.
Physically, The Inn consists of private rooms where a child in treatment and his or her family stay; a library where children and families can find self-help and coping materials, magazines, books and tapes; kitchen and dining areas; a large community room; game and computer rooms; playroom and laundry facilities.
The Children's Inn is a family-centered residence. It is a tax-exempt, nonprofit organization with deep concern for the whole child and the whole family as they experience the challenges of chronic illness.