Special Services for Patients

The Service League provides a number of services that help personalize care at UW Medical Center. These special services help to meet specific non-medical needs of patients and their families. They are as follows:

• Artist-in Residence
  A permanent artist-in-residence is on staff at the medical center to work with patients on art projects. The artist visits patients with a mobile Art Cart--especially helpful for those patients who must stay in bed and are unable to join group projects.
• Baby Photos
  Patients with newborns have the option of purchasing a low-cost portrait package. Portraits are usually taken the first day after birth.
• Beauty and Cancer Program
  This program helps both women and men with their appearance during cancer treatment. Trained volunteers provide assistance with hair alternatives, community resources, and skin care. Key to the program are the wig bank, which provides the patient with choice of color, style, and length and a hat closet, which features a variety of scarves, turbans, and hats.
• Buckle-Up Baby
  A car seat program is available for patients with babies up to 6-months old to help parents meet state requirements for infant safety.
• Cancer Library
  Volunteers staff a special library in the medical center for patients with cancer. The library offers books, pamphlets, Internet access, and other resource materials to help patients and their families better understand their disease and treatment.
• Clothes Closet
  Clothing items such as underwear, socks, sweatshirts and pants, and shoes are provided to patients in need.
• Diabetes Care Project
  Supplies necessary for patients to do their own glucose testing are provided to patients.
• Housing Vouchers
  This program provides patients and their families with financial assistance for short-term housing needs.
• Layettes
  This special program provides layettes for new mothers with the greatest need. At least 30 layettes are prepared and given monthly. Many layette items are hand-knit by Service League volunteers.
• Living Well With Cancer Series
  A variety of classes are offered to oncology patients to assist them during and after cancer treatment. Topics presented include Art Therapy, Meditation, Yoga, Knitting, Stress Reduction, and Nutrition.
• Patient Education Kiosks
  Computer stations provide patients, their families and the public with easy-to-read, current information about their medical conditions. The kiosks are found in the Emergency Room, Medical Specialties Center, Women's Health Care Center, General Internal Medicine Center, Cancer Library, and the University Bookstore.
• Service League Fund
  Funds are given to the Social Work Department on a quarterly basis to support the emergency food, housing, transportation, and prescription needs of our patients and their families.
• Toy Project
  A special assortment of both small and large toys are provided for children's play areas in waiting rooms throughout the medical center. Special adhesive bandages and stickers are given to children who have lab work done or are seen in the busy Emergency Room. Games, puzzles, audio and videotapes, and activities are also available for adults.

The Service League also provides funding for art which is displayed throughout the medical center for patients and guests to enjoy.

• Art Collection
  Paintings, sculptures, and other forms of art were purchased for display in areas throughout the medical center. The collection includes over 700 pieces and continues to grow through funding from both the Service League and private sponsors.
• Textile Art Collection
  Over 350 textiles from around the world are displayed in patient rooms, exam rooms, and hallways. These artworks reference and respect the culturally diverse population that is represented and served at UW Medical Center.