PHOENIX – Phoenix Children's Hospital (PCH) and Cox Communications have teamed up to launch PCH 1, a new internal TV channel for patients and families designed to answer common questions and reduce the anxiety that occurs when a child is going through treatment at the hospital. The new channel is debuts during National Hospital Week, May 6 - 12.

This innovative and creative concept grew out of a need to orient kids, their parents and siblings about the array of services and procedures that become a way of life when a child needs inpatient care for an illness or injury. Hosted by "Boomer," an adorable, animatronic therapy dog puppet, the channel teaches families about topics such as: getting an X-ray; going to school at the hospital; working with the research nurse at the Emily Center; visiting with the Animal-Assisted Therapy Team; ordering room service; using the showers, washing machines and other "just like home" amenities of the Family Center; and more. 

The idea for a hospital education channel grew out of a multilevel relationship between PCH and the Cox Communications companies. PCH has been a long-term partner with many of the Cox companies - from advertising and video production, to installing Cox Business Internet, phone and digital television at the PCH campus.

To develop the content for PCH 1, the hospital's marketing team, led by Director of Marketing and Communications, Debra Stevens, reached out to patients, parents, nurses, child life specialists, social workers and PCH's leadership to find out what are the most frequently asked questions by families when a child is admitted to the hospital. "We turned to Cox to present answers to these important questions in a fun, kid-friendly format," says Stevens, adding, "For Cox to make that kind of philanthropic commitment to PCH is very touching and the product of our collaboration is just beautiful!"

"We were happy to tap the talents of our communications experts at Cox Communications, Cox Media, Cox Creative Services and Cox Business at every level to help Phoenix Children's Hospital offer this unique channel," says Steve Rizley, senior vice president and general manager for Cox Communications. As a father and grandfather, I am proud that the Cox teams will help provide a little more peace of mind to the families and kids who are receiving vital care at PCH during a time when they should be totally focused on getting better."

Going forward, PCH and Cox plan to update PCH 1 with new content and Spanish language content. They are also exploring patient/parent education videos that will teach families how to properly provide care at home or educate them about treatment options. 

 “We are proud to support the vital services of Phoenix Children’s Hospital on a variety of levels, from providing it reliable communications services, to supporting its charitable events,” said Hyman Sukiennik, vice president of Cox Business and member of the Phoenix Children’s Hospital Foundation board of directors.

About Cox Communications:

Cox Communications is a broadband communications and entertainment company, providing advanced digital video, Internet and telephone services over its own nationwide IP network. The third-largest U.S. cable TV company, Cox serves approximately 6 million residences and businesses. Cox Business is a facilities-based provider of voice, video and data solutions for commercial customers, and Cox Media is a full-service provider of national and local cable spot and new media advertising.

Cox is known for its pioneering efforts in cable telephone and commercial services, industry-leading customer care and its outstanding workplaces. For seven years, Cox has been recognized as the top operator for women by Women in Cable Telecommunications; Cox has ranked among DiversityInc's Top 50 Companies for Diversity seven times, including the last six years. More information about Cox Communications, a wholly owned subsidiary of Cox Enterprises, is available at www.cox.com/espanol y www.coxmedia.com.

About Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Phoenix Children’s Hospital, ranked in U.S. News & World Report’s Best Children’s Hospitals, is Arizona’s only licensed children’s hospital, providing world-class care in more than 40 pediatric specialties to children from throughout the state and region. Phoenix Children’s is in the midst of a major expansion to meet the needs of the Southwest’s rapid population growth. The signature element of the expansion is a new 11-story, 750,000-square-foot tower that will enable the hospital to grow from 426 licensed beds today to a total of 626 licensed beds once the project is complete. The hospital’s expansion also includes an aggressive physician recruitment effort and new satellite centers in high growth areas of the Valley.

###