Reilly and Friends, a new set of jungle animal cartoon characters created by the Crothall Healthcare Environmental Services (EVS) team at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital (LVRCH), part of Jefferson Health, has helped make the launch of the new Pediatric EVS program a smashing success.
The program at Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital is part of a broader Crothall Healthcare initiative designed specifically for pediatric hospitals and units. Built around the idea of creating special, “recurring moments,” Crothall’s pediatric EVS program goes beyond traditional housekeeping by creating thoughtful, engaging experiences that aim to bring comfort, reduce anxiety and spark joy for children and their families throughout a hospital stay.
At Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital, that approach has come to life through Reilly and Friends. By incorporating the characters throughout the pediatric environment, the hospital and its EVS team are providing young patients with a continuous series of cheerful, warm and meaningful experiences.
“Reilly and Friends brings moments of joy and familiarity into unexpected places, and our EVS team has embraced that spirit in a thoughtful way. It’s a wonderful example of how each member of our hospital team plays a role in creating positive, comforting experiences for the patients we care for and their families,” said Dr. Nathan Hagstrom, Chair of Pediatrics, Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital.
Led by their mascot, Reilly, the animals are featured on wrapped EVS carts, badge buddies, badge reels, cues of clean and new uniforms. The EVS team even transformed traditional “Wet Floor” signs in the children’s area into standing banana peels, adding another playful element to the program.
The Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital activation reflects Crothall’s larger effort to transform how EVS teams can contribute to the pediatric patient experience. Across its pediatric program, Crothall is introducing experience-driven touches ranging from playful housekeeping equipment and signage to birthday celebrations, medical-milestone recognition, storytelling, themed activities and other opportunities for EVS associates to meaningfully engage with patients and families.
Since launching in April 2026, the Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital EVS team has continued to build on that philosophy with monthly parades featuring the Reilly and Friends characters.
“The program is making it possible for children and parents facing difficult times to experience new and joyful moments. By combining our pediatric EVS approach with the creativity and insight of our hospital partners, our teams can help create an environment where exceptional service and human connection go hand in hand,” said Amy Rufo, Patient Experience Manager, Crothall Healthcare.
The Lehigh Valley Reilly Children’s Hospital team is demonstrating how the everyday work of EVS can become part of a larger patient experience – creating recurring moments that enhance the overall hospital experience for children and their families.
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