The Walt Disney Company will direct one hundred million dollars over the next five years to help reinvent the experience at children’s hospitals around the world. Bob Iger, Disney CEO and Chairman, announced the new initiative at the largest children’s hospital in the country, Texas Children’s, where they launched the pilot project. In keeping with their corporate legacy, Disney strives to use hope, happiness, and laughter to improve the atmosphere in the children’s hospital setting. “Using the powerful combination of our beloved characters and legendary creativity, we’re planning to transform the patient experience in children’s hospitals around the world – creating a personalized and engaging atmosphere that will inspire young patients and ease the stress of a hospital stay,” said Mr. Iger.
The Disney Compassion Program Advisory Group was formed to gain greater insight from patient care experts. Jen Lipsey, CEO of the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP), co-chaired the advisory group with Amy Stillion, Senior VP of Partnerships at the Starlight Children’s Foundation. The panel of experts was comprised of Child Life Program leaders, parents, patient advocates, physicians, and hospital administrators selected for their expertise in the patient experience arena.