The Regional Pediatric Center at St. Vincent Hospital is designed with children in mind. It’s here that patients and their families realize children are treated as special; from the child-sized drinking fountains, lowered reception desk and handrails, table and lounges equipped with age-specific toys, books, music room, computer, games and videos, to the unique, miniature “Main Street” hallway décor. Our patients even have the opportunity to play with dogs that visit them through the Pet Therapy Program.

We also understand parents’ desires to be an integral part of their children’s care and to be near their children during a hospital stay. A pull-out couch in each Pediatric Inpatient room allows parents to stay overnight with their children if they desire. Our parents’ lounge is thoughtfully equipped with a microwave, refrigerator, and shower. When parents cannot be with their child, a trained volunteer may be available to read, play games, or sit with the child.

Children admitted to St. Vincent Hospital are cared for in one of two locations within our 24-bed Pediatric Care Center, depending on the severity of illness or injury. Our pediatric/IMCU unit cares for general admissions and those patients requiring closer observation. The Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) is reserved for children with very severe or life-threatening illness where care is provided by pediatric intensivists. Located on the same floor, transition from one unit to another has been made easier for both patients and their families.

An extensive Procedural Sedation Program has made it easier and safer for pediatric patients undergoing both inpatient and outpatient procedures such as MRI and CT scans. Small children requiring such procedures usually are admitted in the morning, undergo the study, and are discharged the same day. A pediatric intensivist and PICU nurse attend to the patient throughout the procedure, and the child is monitored until full recovery, usually in the Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit.

Many children requiring care at the Regional Pediatric Center are transported via Eagle III*, an air-transport team including specially trained transport nurses. This close collaboration allows for seamless care, which starts with pickup at the referring facility, and continues with care in the Regional Pediatric Center.

*Eagle III is a joint effort of St. Vincent Hospital, Bellin Hospital, and Brown County.