October 23, 2025
A new Comfort Cart is rolling through the halls at Chinook Regional Hospital (CRH), bringing emotional support to families seeking care for their child.
Comfort Carts move between the prenatal clinic, NICU, pediatric, maternity/child and labour/delivery units with an assortment of items intended to help make the time in hospital easier for families. Comfort items include snacks, coffee, reading materials, activity books and hygiene items, such as toothbrushes.
“The carts are more than supplies or distractions. They’re an opportunity for connection with our patients and their families when it is needed most,” says Monica Whitehead, Director of Women’s and Children’s Health with Alberta Health Services (AHS). “Volunteers who circulate the carts engage with patients, help brighten their day, and remind them they are not alone in their journey towards recovery.”
The Comfort Cart is also made possible through support from the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation and Ronald McDonald House Alberta. With a Ronald McDonald House in Calgary, Edmonton, Red Deer and Medicine Hat, the introduction of the Comfort Cart at CRH brings Ronald McDonald House hospitality closer to home in Lethbridge.
“Families in Lethbridge are familiar with a Ronald McDonald House as dozens of families have stayed there every year when travelling for pediatric care,” says Natasha Tiemstra, Chief Operating Officer for Ronald McDonald House Alberta. “The Comfort Cart enables us to support more families outside of the Ronald McDonald House, enhancing family-centred care right at the bedside. The items are things we know help support the families who are bedside of their child, including items for siblings who are there visiting.”
Comfort Carts are also available at the Foothills Medical Centre and Peter Lougheed Centre in Calgary, and at the Red Deer Regional Hospital Centre. The cart at CRH is the first time Ronald McDonald House Alberta has partnered with a hospital foundation in this capacity to ensure the ongoing success and operation of the cart.
“We’re grateful to have the opportunity to partner with Ronald McDonald House to bring the Comfort Cart to Lethbridge,” says Crystal Elliott, Chief Executive Officer of the Chinook Regional Hospital Foundation. “Collaborating with an organization like Ronald McDonald House strengthens our entire team and ensures that the impact of this initiative reaches even further into the community.”
The Cart began circulating at CRH on Oct. 14 and will be making rounds Monday through Friday. Additional support is always needed. Visit ahs.ca/volunteers to register.