The Emergency Department team at Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center (OHTLMC) has announced it’s achieved Pediatric Readiness certification.
This significant accomplishment means OHTLMC is equipped to provide specialized and comprehensive emergency care for children, ensuring every young patient receives the highest standard of treatment.
The award was given by the Emergency Medical Services for Children Program using criteria from the Kentucky Pediatric Emergency Care Coalition.
Pediatric Readiness signifies that an emergency facility has met rigorous standards for pediatric care, encompassing pediatric-specific needs in all aspects of emergency department care. This includes specialized training for staff, age-appropriate equipment and established protocols for treating a wide range of pediatric emergencies. It’s a commitment to ensuring that children, who have unique physiological and psychological needs, receive the safest and most effective care possible in an emergency setting.
“It’s so important that emergency departments are prepared for pediatric patients when they come through our doors. Children aren’t just small adults; they have unique medical needs. That’s why it was important for us to become pediatric ready. From having pediatric-specific equipment to proper staff training, it can help save the lives of the children in our communities,” said Manny Galaviz, OHTLMC’s Emergency Department Manager.
Achieving this certification was a multidisciplinary effort involving every member of the Emergency Department care team, from physicians and nurses to support staff. Their dedication to specialized training, acquiring the right resources and implementing specific protocols was crucial. In addition, Teri Johnston, RN, has been appointed as OHTLMC’s Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator (PECC).
Johnston will play a vital role in supporting staff, identifying community resources and facilitating transfer agreements for patients when a higher level of care is needed.
OHTLMC’s Emergency Department is now one of 15 facilities in Kentucky to hold this unique certification. This places OHTLMC at the forefront of pediatric emergency care in the region, offering an invaluable resource to families in Grayson and surrounding counties.
Submitted: Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center
