Hospital housekeeper, 4-year-old patient become 'best friends'

Watson cleaned the boy's room every day during his stays and their friendship grew.


A housekeeper at the University of Minnesota Masonic Children's Hospital has made a best friend in a 4-year-old frequent patient, according to an article on the CNN website.

Cooper Baltzell spends a lot of time in the hospital because of his Hirschsprung disease, a rare, inherited condition affecting the body's digestive system. Cooper becomes the mayor of the fifth floor during his stays and was driving a toy car down the hospital corridor, handing out candy to the staff, when he met 57-year-old Gregory Watson, a housekeeper at the Minneapolis facility.

Watson was doing a discharge when Cooper approached and asked: "Sir, do you want some candy?" 

Watson cleaned Cooper's room every day during his stays and their friendship grew. Watson said he feels it's part of his job to be friendly to the families and the children who sometimes have to endure painful procedures. He said Cooper is outgoing and always has a good attitude.  "He's the coolest kid I ever met," Watson told CNN.

The feeling is mutual. "He's my best friend," Cooper said.

Read the article.



May 3, 2019



Recent Posts

Streamlined Integrated Project Delivery Tackles Design Challenges

Successful implementation of IPD Light can improve patient care, project outcomes and bottom lines.


Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Central Florida - Sumter County Opens

It is a satellite location of Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Central Florida.


Rudolph and Sletten Awarded $960M for New UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital

Construction work is expected to commence in September 2025 with substantial completion anticipated in 2031.


How Designers Create Welcoming Senior Care Communities

Risk assessments and cost analysis play a role in creating thriving communities.


Data-Driven Decisions: How Analytics Are Shaping Healthcare Facility Planning

Hospitals can use data to prioritize upgrades, extend building lifespans and maximize the impact of limited capital budgets.


 
 


FREE Newsletter Signup Form

News & Updates | Webcast Alerts
Building Technologies | & More!

 
 
 


All fields are required. This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

 
 
 
 

Healthcare Facilities Today membership includes free email newsletters from our facility-industry brands.

Facebook   Twitter   LinkedIn   Posts

Copyright © 2023 TradePress. All rights reserved.