HOSPITALS RECOGNIZED FOR CHILD EMERGENCY CARE
Seventeen hospitals in southwestern and central Illinois will be recognized on May 20,
1999 by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Emergency Medical Services for
Children (EMSC) program for having the essential resources and capabilities to meet the
emergency needs of seriously ill and injured children.
"Children are not small adults. They have unique needs which require special
training, equipment and supplies," said Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state public health
director. "They cannot be cared for in emergency care systems initially developed for
adult patients."
"This program recognizes institutions that enhance the capabilities of their
emergency departments to care for the pediatric patient," Dr. Lumpkin said. "As
a result, parents and other responsible persons will be able to make informed decisions
about their children's emergency care."
Dr. Lumpkin will present each hospital with a certificate of recognition during a
ceremony at 10:00 am, Thursday, May 20, 1999 at Anderson Hospital, Route 162, Maryville.
Hospitals can apply for one of two levels of voluntary recognition. Facilities that can
provide comprehensive emergency services can apply for recognition as an Emergency
Department Approved for Pediatrics (EDAP). The Standby Emergency Department for Pediatrics
(SEDP) recognition ensures that smaller hospitals can provide stabilization measures and
have transfer guidelines in place when more definitive care is needed.
Hospitals participating in this process received a site visit by the EMSC program to
verify that they are capable of meeting the following key pediatric emergency care
standards:
- Professionals specially trained in pediatric emergency care;
- Adequate staffing patterns and provisions for pediatric consultation and backup to
support provision of pediatric emergency care services;
- Availability of essential pediatric equipment, supplies, and medication;
- Implementation of protocols for the treatment of abused and of critically ill and
injured children to a specialized care center; and
- Incorporation of pediatrics into emergency services quality improvement activities.
The Illinois EMSC program, a collaborative effort of the Illinois Department of Public
Health and Loyola University Medical Center, began in 1994 with a statewide evaluation of
pediatric emergency care resources and capabilities and is now supporting initiatives
aimed at enhancing care for children.
The list of hospitals recognized is
below:
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