Pediatric Services

Pediatric care at SOMC is provided in the Emergency Department by competent clinical staff. Our vision is single-mindedly focused on the needs of children and their families. Our staff members are trained in pediatrics, all of our equipment is sized for kids, the care is built around children's and families' needs, and even our facilities are designed with children in mind.

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General Information

  • We care for children from birth through 18 years of age.
  • Our staff is professional, with many certified in both Pediatrics and Pediatric Advanced Life Support
  • We encourage parents or caregivers to stay with the child.
  • We provide complimentary meal trays to parents or caregivers participating in the child's care.
  • There is a special menu for pediatric patients that includes pizza, chicken nuggets and other child-friendly fare.
  • There are free phones and TVs in rooms.
  • We provide outpatient services.
  • No visitors under the age of 10, unless prior approval is given by the charge nurse (This is to protect both the patient and the visitor.)
  • General visiting hours are 11:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • We have a Kids Care Hotline for questions concerning sick or well children.
  • We also provide snacks for our patients as they desire, such as ice cream and Popsicles.

Hospitals can be scary places for children (and for their parents). It is normal to be afraid and anxious.

The following may help to make your child's hospital stay less stressful:

  • Ask.
    • We encourage you and your child to ask whenever you need more information. If you need an interpreter to help you understand, please don't hesitate to ask.
  • Be honest and sensitive.
    • Accept the fact that you may not be able to answer all your child's or family's questions. Feel free to ask questions or write them down.
  • Listen and talk.
    • Listen to your child. Give your child permission to ask questions, to cry and to talk about feelings. Let your child know it is okay to be afraid and say if something hurts.
  • Share your feelings too.
    • Keep your child and family members up to date about what is happening. They may feel less fearful knowing what to expect. If you need help, ask a member of your healthcare team.
  • Comfort.
    • Being sick is scary especially when you can't hold or comfort your child. Check with the nurse to find out what you can do to comfort him or her. And remember that you, your other children and family members may need comforting also.
  • Maintain as normal a routine as possible.
    • Bring in a favorite toy, game, stuffed animal, photograph, or book. When out of your child's room, leave a sweater or other personal item. It tells your child that you are not far away. Be sure to explain to your child when you leave the room or leave the hospital. This way he or she learns to trust what you say.
  • Other thoughts to share with your child and family:
  • Being in the hospital is not a punishment. No one is to blame.
  • Hospitals help people get well.
  • Tell your child when he or she might go home, if you know.
  • Choose a family member to take responsibility for informing other family members about your child's condition.

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What to Bring to the Hospital

Some favorite belongings will help your child feel more comfortable and less afraid in the hospital.

Things to bring:

  • Toys, games, books, audio or videotapes, and photographs
  • A favorite stuffed animal or blanket
  • Glasses, hearing aids, crutches, braces, corrective shoes, or other orthopedic aids
  • Medications and a list of medications your child is taking
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Schoolwork, if appropriate

Do not bring (or allow family or friends to bring):

  • Latex (rubber) balloons. Though colorful and cheerful, these balloons can be a serious safety hazard for children. Mylar® balloons (shiny, metallic) are permitted.
  • Non-medical electrical items, such as video games, radios, or hair dryers. Check with your child's nurse first.
  • Flowers. For health reasons some patient units do not allow flowers. Check with your child's nurse first.
  • Valuables or anything that cannot be replaced

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