Patient Programs

A Community of Care

At Shriners Children's New England, our team is committed to caring for the overall health and well-being of our patients. We offer a variety of programs that complement the compassionate, wrap-around care each child receives. If you require additional assistance, please speak with your nurse or care manager.

Young Adult Transition in Care Program

The Young Adult Transition in Care Program is a resource for Shriners Children's patients, families and multidisciplinary team members across the Shriners Children's healthcare system. This program is designed to assist children 12 and older, and their families, in preparing for transition to an adult healthcare provider. This is also a pivotal time for a teen to become more independent in their care decisions.

If you have a child 12 or older you may work with your local care manager and/or social worker.

Hero Award

In collaboration with the Kids Wish Network, the Hero Award program honors children who have shown courage and bravery while overcoming life-altering circumstances such as accidents, emergency surgeries, chronic illness or the loss of an immediate family member. The award is given monthly to a recipient chosen by our child life specialist. To be nominated for the Hero Award, a child must be between the ages of 3 and 18. For more information, contact child life services.

Child Life Services

The Shriners Children’s New England child life specialist can work with your child to help them feel more comfortable, calm and confident while visiting our clinic or preparing for an upcoming surgery.

Child life specialists are trained to help children navigate medical experiences through play, self-expressive activities, and age-appropriate medical preparation and education. Their support is tailored to each child’s individual needs, relieving stress and anxiety and fostering positive healthcare outcomes. Your provider can help determine if your child will benefit from child life services.

Peer Support

Shriners Children's New England clinicians can help facilitate peer-to-peer conversations between children and teens who have similar diagnoses and illnesses.

While this opportunity begins at our facility, some relationships develop and continue on the participants' own time without Shriners Children's assistance. To learn more about becoming a peer supporter or connecting with one, please speak with a member of your child’s care team.

Build-A-Bear Buddy Room

Patients preparing for a surgical procedure are invited to visit the Shriners Children’s New England Buddy Room, where they can pick out a complimentary Build-A-Bear and coordinating accessories. This program is made possible through a collaboration with the Build-A-Bear Foundation and is available at Shriners Children’s locations throughout North America. Contact your care manager for more information.