Faith Regional Health Services Receives State Recognition for Pediatric Readiness

Faith Regional Health Services has been recognized by the Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services for pediatric readiness to provide emergency care for children in Nebraska. The DHHS Emergency Medical Services for Children program recognizes hospital providers across Nebraska for advocating for the unique needs of children, ensuring children in our state have access to essential medical care, and providing safety and injury prevention initiatives. 

Approximately 25% of all emergency room visits are pediatric patients, many of whom receive care in a general emergency department. Being pediatric ready in an emergency room matters because it directly impacts the survival, treatment, and well-being of children. Providing care for children requires specialized equipment and training. Additionally, children have unique physiological, psychological, and developmental needs that are especially relevant in emergencies.

“Faith Regional Health Services is committed to ensuring our emergency room is pediatric ready and equipped to provide high-quality emergency care to children when it matters most,” said Brenda Wells, Faith Regional Health Services Executive Director of Emergency and Critical Care. “Children have unique medical needs, and being prepared means we can provide the right care, at the right time, when every second counts.”

Faith Regional Health Services has shown its commitment to excellence in pediatric care by:

• Designating a nurse and a physician Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator
• Including pediatrics in policies and procedures
• Including pediatric considerations in the hospital’s disaster plan
• Weighing and recording pediatric patients’ weight in kilograms only
• Having all recommended pediatric equipment and supplies readily available within the ED
• Incorporating pediatrics into quality improvement initiatives
• Participating in the National Pediatric Readiness Project Assessment

“Being pediatric ready and prepared to provide essential care to our youngest Nebraskans makes all the difference,” said Tim Wilson, DHHS State EMS Director. “Nebraska EMS for Children is here to help hospitals across Nebraska achieve pediatric readiness to ensure the best outcomes for children in our communities.”