Jackie Briggs
Patient
PSE&G Children’s Specialized Hospital, New Brunswick
After a serious car accident, Jackie Briggs found the specialized rehabilitation care she needed
at the PSE&G Children’s Specialized Hospital in New Brunswick. The largest pediatric rehabilitation
hospital in the United States, Children’s Specialized Hospital has eight sites in New Jersey,
including its newest inpatient facility in New Brunswick. PSE&G helped launch this facility with a
donation of $5 million, the largest in our company’s history.
Jackie’s mother, Lori, shares her story of the treatment and support her daughter received
there.
Tell me about the challenges Jackie faced.
After being involved in a car accident, in which she was the passenger, Jackie broke almost
every bone in the right side of her body. She had a skull fracture and serious concussion, a
fractured T1 vertebra, broken collar bone, six fractured ribs, a punctured lung, a broken pelvis
and a fractured tail bone. Jackie also has hearing loss in her right ear due to the skull fracture
and nerve damage in her right leg. Her challenges are tremendous -- walking, using the right side
of her body, learning to listen with only her left ear. Just her being able to get around is a big
issue. And, there is also the psychological issue of even riding in a car again.
How did Children’s Specialized Hospital help Jackie?
Our first experience with the staff at Children’s was great. They were caring and positive.
The nurses took an interest in her personally and were attentive to her needs. Her doctor and case
worker were on top of everything. The physical therapy and occupational therapy staff began
working with her right away. There was also a psychologist on staff to help her deal with fear and
trauma. The neurological team was wonderful as well. She liked everyone that she encountered at the
facility, and that is a big deal in the recovery process.
What’s unique about the services this hospital offers?
The specialized attention that she received. Her recovery program was designed for her needs.
It was not generic.
How has the availability of specialized treatment close to home helped your
family?
We were able to be with her and participate in her program, progress and recovery.
