A Special First for Sensory-Friendly Radiology Care at Shore

Eight-year-old Reed loves the beach, plays football and is a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan. Now, he also holds a special distinction at Shore Medical Center: Reed is the first patient to experience Shore's new sensory-friendly radiology program.

Reed lives in Upper Township and is heading into third grade. His family moved to the area from Georgia in 2021 to be closer to the beach, which his mom, Kathryn, says helps her children feel calm and regulated. Since then, she has also come to rely on Shore when her family needs care close to home.

Recently, Reed experienced a breathing episode while playing football, and his inhaler wasn't providing the relief he needed. After a visit to urgent care, Reed and Kathryn made a two-hour trip the next day to see his pediatric pulmonologist. His doctor needed a chest X-ray and viral swab before determining next steps, but the tests couldn't be completed that day.

Rather than make another long trip, Kathryn called Shore.

Shore's Emergency Department, Pediatrics and Radiology teams worked together to get Reed the testing he needed while providing some extra support to help him feel comfortable. A visual projector and other sensory-friendly tools helped create a more comfortable environment during his chest X-ray, while a squishy caterpillar toy kept his hands busy during his viral swab.

"For children who need a little extra support during medical care, small changes can have a big impact on their experience," said Sherri Richmond, MSN, RN, who leads the Emergency Department and sensory-friendly care at Shore. "Our goal is to understand what each child needs to feel safe and comfortable and meet them there."

For Kathryn, having these services available locally meant more than avoiding another lengthy drive.

"This is the second time Shore has bailed us out for the same situation," Kathryn said. "The first time, they put Eagles game replays on the TV for him! Being able to go to Shore for these tests makes it easier on him and me."

Reed apparently agrees.

On the way to see his specialist, he told his mom, "I want to go to the other place!"

He meant Shore.

And when asked why he preferred "the other place," Reed had a very practical answer:

"We don't have to sit in the car for five hours!"

Shore's sensory-friendly programs are made possible through the generosity of Mike and Jeannie Monichetti, the Eagles Autism Foundation and other generous donors who are helping Shore create more comfortable healthcare experiences for children like Reed.

We're glad this beach-loving, football-playing Eagles fan has "the other place" close to home whenever he needs us.