Jacksonville, FL – Memorial Hospital has expanded its level of pediatric care to include inpatient care for children of all ages from newborn to age 17. Today, Memorial Hospital opened an 8-bed inpatient pediatric unit and a 6-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) for critically-ill children. These general medical units provide a continuity of care for children following emergencies, injuries or illnesses.
“Last year we treated more than 17,000 pediatric patients in our emergency department,” said Chief Nursing Officer Suzanne Woods. “By offering inpatient pediatric care, Memorial is able to provide a continuum of care for our young patients from the moment they walk in the door with an emergency through their hospital stay and upon their return home.”
Both units are staffed by a team of pediatric hospitalists and nurses who specialize in pediatric care. The units feature all-private rooms with rooming-in capabilities for parents, state-of-the-art technology, a play area with child sized furniture and toys and underwater-themed artwork designed by local artists.
Features of the new unit include:
- Pediatric trained physicians, intensivists, nurses and staff members
- Large, modern, private rooms
- 24/7 Family-centered care with rooming-in capabilities for parents
- Flexible visiting hours
- Play area with child-sized furniture and toys
- Child-friendly artwork and décor provided by local artists
- Individualized treatment plans designed to meet the unique needs of each patient
The addition of the new inpatient pediatric unit and PICU complement the hospital’s existing maternity and neonatal services and provide families with the comfort of knowing that Memorial is committed to caring for patients from birth through the teenage years and into adulthood.
“We know how frightening hospitals can be for young children,” said Director of Pediatrics Sally Schmidt. “Our multi-disciplinary team is committed to providing a calm and healing environment with a high-level of care, compassion and expertise.”
For more information about Memorial Pediatrics, visit www.memorialhospitaljax.com/pediatrics.