Akron Children’s re-introduces consumer app with new features

06-01-2023 (Akron, Mahoning Valley, Ohio )

Akron Children’s consumer app, Akron Children’s Anywhere, has been re-designed with a new user interface and additional functions such as a search option and interactive campus walking directions. It is now available to download free via app stores for Android and Apple smartphones.

“Akron Children’s original app was introduced in 2019 and we are very excited about this new design and update,” said Beth Smith, vice president for Marketing & Communications for Akron Children’s. “The new app allows you to make an appointment for your child, connect with MyChart, pay your bill, schedule a virtual visit, use our symptom checker, look up providers and locations, read health information and connect with the hospital’s social media channels with the touch of a finger.”

Traversing hospital campuses can be confusing, and even physically challenging, especially for those with mobility concerns. The Akron Children’s Anyway app now allows visitors to choose a hospital campus (Akron or Boardman/Beeghly) and see maps of each floor. In addition, similar to using Google Maps driving or walking directions, you can select a starting location and a destination, and you will be given step-by-step directions such as “Turn right and continue straight for 18 feet, now take the elevator to floor 3 ….”

“We are especially excited about this new feature for our first-time visitors,” said Smith. “Getting from parking deck to your child’s appointment in any of our pediatric specialty offices or surgery centers should be a lot less stressful. And once here, you have the map key for dining, restrooms, information desks, lactation rooms and so much more in the palm of your hand.”

The app is also beneficial for users other than patient families. Job seekers can access job postings. Potential volunteers can learn about opportunities for them to get involved. Donors can make gifts online, and friends and family can create and send patients electronic “get well” and other types of greeting cards.

With a fully functional search feature, the app will connect you to all of the content on the hospital’s website.

“Our recent way-finding survey indicated that more than 80 percent of our patients and their families had smartphones and similar devices while in our hospitals,” added Smith. “Connecting with Akron Children’s couldn’t be any easier with this newly-designed app.”