Orientation / Welcome bag for families (Sunnybrook)
Every family whose baby is expected to be in Sunnybrook's NICU for at least five days (officially designated a "long stay") receives a welcome bag.
This bag includes:
"Welcome to Sunnybrook NICU" orientation book,
NICU Orientation Checklist,
Parking pass options information sheet,
Cuddler Volunteer program brochure,
two "hug blanket" scent cloths for birthing parents to wear inside clothing so their babies can smell them,
a storybook,
a blank journal and pen.
The NICU ward clerk puts the bag in the newly admitted baby's patient room, and the nurse who first welcomes the family to the NICU is encouraged to review the contents of the bag with the family so they are aware of the resources it contains.
Sources: the orientation booklet, checklist, parking information sheet, and Cuddler brochure are printed in-hospital and paid for by the NICU operating budget. The hug blankets are double-layered fleece, sewn by volunteers and the fabric paid for by donations via Sunnybrook Foundation. The storybook and journal & pen are paid for by donations via Sunnybrook Foundation.