Pediatric Innovator is the highest level of recognition from the Always Ready for Children Pediatric Recognition Program
Bellevue Hospital’s Pediatric Emergency Services had a near-perfect score of 97.5
New York, NY: NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue announced today that its Pediatric Emergency Services department has been recognized as a “Pediatric Innovator” and Designated as “Always Ready for Children.” “Pediatric Innovator” is the highest level of recognition given by the Always Ready for Children (ARC) Pediatric Recognition Program, a statewide initiative from the New York State Department of Health Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) Program.
Bellevue Hospital’s Pediatric Emergency Services department has the only Level II Pediatric Trauma Center in Manhattan south of 68th Street. The department recently met the requirements outlined by the ARC program with a near-perfect score of 97.5. The program criteria include providing care for those under 18, identifying a pediatric emergency coordinator, a willingness to share best practices and resources, and completing the National Pediatric Readiness Project (NPRP) Assessment, a survey used to evaluate the readiness of emergency departments in the United States to provide quality care to pediatric patients.
According to the NPRP, dedication to pediatric care readiness in both medical and traumatic emergencies, the availability of child-sized equipment and supplies, and staff trained in treating emergencies and recognizing common pediatric conditions help save the lives of ill and injured children.
“As a Level I Adult Trauma Center and Level II Pediatric Trauma Center, readiness is our watchword. We are proud of our Pediatric Emergency Services team who are always primed to receive and provide the best care for our youngest patients,” said Eric Wei, MD, Chief Executive Officer, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue.
“It is an incredible honor to be recognized as a Pediatric Innovator, the highest level of recognition, for our preparedness and dedication to emergency care for children,” said Ee Tay, MD, Chief of Pediatric Emergency Services, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue.
“This recognition underscores the importance of a trauma center presence in the community, and is a reflection of the teamwork and integration among the many disciplines that a verified trauma center requires to continue to not only care for children, but to advance treatment and best practices,” said Sandra Tomita, MD, Pediatric Trauma Medical Director at NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue.
David Wanderman, RN, Pediatric Trauma Program Manager, NYC Health + Hospitals/Bellevue, highlighted the service’s teamwork and said Dr. Dennis Heon and Annie Corenthal, RN, Pediatric Trauma liaisons, were instrumental in securing this recognition. “The Pediatric Innovator recognition is a team effort to meet and surpass the criteria required to be designated as an ‘Always Ready for Children” pediatric trauma center,” Wanderman said.
