I’m thrilled to be sharing the scoop about Palm Beach Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s Medical Center! If you can believe this, it’s the only dedicated pediatric hospital between Ft. Lauderdale and Orlando.
Since living in Boca Raton and raising two children, we’ve had our share of accidents and emergencies. Where to take your child in case of an emergency or a health concern to receive the best care can be stressful. When looking for hospitals in South Florida, it can be overwhelming if you don’t know.
I bet you didn’t know that!
Well, after taking a tour of Palm Beach Children’s Hospital, I’m able to share some of the wonderful services they provide for children if you are ever in need. Now, you’ll know where to go.
Palm Beach Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s Medical Center is a 142- bed hospital and dedicated solely to the needs of children. The doctors, nurses and other healthcare professionals are trained in pediatric medical treatment.
15 Reasons Why You Should Take Your Child To Palm Beach Children’s Hospital
Some Palm Beach Children’s Hospital services include:
24/7 Pediatric Emergency Department
As a parent, you never know when an emergency will happen. Kids are unpredictable and accidents occur when you least expect them.
Palm Beach Children’s Hospital has a 24/7 Pediatric ER for when those emergencies arise. Avoid the waiting room with ER Check-In Online, so you can hold your place in line.
Level 1 Trauma Center
Palm Beach Children’s Hospital and St. Mary’s Hospital Medical Center are one of only two state-designated Level I Trauma Centers in Palm Beach County, and one of nine in the state of Florida.
The trauma center provides care for patients in critical condition resulting from a serious fall, motor vehicle accident or a violent altercation. To earn this level, hospitals must pass certain criteria to become a Level 1 Trauma Center for children.
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
So you know, there is a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU). This special team is ready to help the survival of your child. This unit has intensivists in house 24/7 which can give parents peace of mind.
Pediatric Cancer Care
As a cancer survivor and knowing friends whose children have battled cancer, I’m glad to know this care is available in South Florida.
The Pediatric Cancer Care team includes affiliated pediatric oncologists, dedicated oncology nurses, and additional specialists. Your child’s treatment plans depend on the type and severity of the disease.
The pediatric hematology/oncology specialists are prepared and have the following cancer treatments available onsite:
- Chemotherapy
- Surgery
- Radiation planning
- Immunotherapy
- Monoclonal antibodies
This Palm Beach County Hospital is a member of the National Cancer Institutes Children Oncology Group offering the latest clinical trials as well.
The Kite Center
After having cancer treatments, there seems to be a need for support from your post cancer medical care.
The KITE (Knowing the Importance of Treatment Effects) Center is dedicated to empowering cancer survivors by providing them with information about their post-cancer medical care, monitoring them for potential late-term effects from cancer therapies, and helping them reach their life goals.
Palm Beach Children’s Hospital’s KITE Center is an outpatient cancer survivorship program for children who completed cancer therapy 2+ years ago.
This is part of the Pediatric Long-Term Oncology Center!
Advanced Imaging Technology
Having an MRI can be scary as an adult, but an MRI scan as a child, that might give one nightmares.
The specially trained team at Palm Beach Children’s Hospital are able to help children get through the necessary imaging tests that will help their doctors determine the best diagnosis and plan of care. The fun and relaxed atmosphere make the child feel like their a kid and not a patient.
Not only do they worry about your child’s state of mind, but also the amount of radiation emitted from scans.
St. Mary’s Medical Center’s EOS Ultra Low Dose 2D/3D Imaging System, your child’s imaging experience can be greatly enhanced. The EOS system allows for both full-body and localized imaging done in either a standing or seated position.
Pediatric Surgery
Did you know you can arrange for a Pre-Op Tour?
Once your child is scheduled for surgery, your child will meet the staff and take a tour of the surgical area to know what to expect.
This tour is recommended for parents with children 3+ years old.
Child Life Specialists, who are educated and trained in child development, are also available to help prepare your child for surgery with age-appropriate demonstration, education and play.
The Child Life Program
Growing up with asthma and in and out of hospitals was really scary for me as a child. I wish I had someone that could have helped support me and my parents through those scary and difficult times.
I was delighted to know that the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital has Child Life Specialists on staff. These hospital ambassadors, educators, advocates, and a personal support system are there for the patients and their families.
They help prepare patients for and distract them during procedures, offer coping skills and provide tools to help make the hospital experience more positive.
Pediatric Inpatient Rehabilitation
If you have a child that has experienced an injury, illness, or congenital disabilities which results in decreased functional independence, then there is a place for your child. This 8-Bed acute inpatient rehabilitation unit specializing in helping children also includes audiology, physical, occupational and speech therapies.
Pediatric Outpatient Rehabilitation
Palm Beach Children’s Hospital also provides out patient rehabilitative care. The therapists can assess your child and create an individualized plan for them. Play framework and family participation are encouraged.
Cystic Fibrosis Center
What is Cystic Fibrosis? It’s an inherited genetic disease that affects all exocrine organs, especially the lungs. Most patients experience recurrent lung infections, multiple breathing treatments and frequent hospitalization.
You’ll be happy to know that The Cystic Fibrosis Center at St. Mary’s Medical Center and the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital is a one-stop outpatient clinic that specializes in the diagnosis, treatment, and management of adults and children living with cystic fibrosis (CF), Alpha 1 antitrypsin deficiency, chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder and bronchiectasis.
The Cystic Fibrosis Center at St. Mary’s Medical Center and the Palm Beach Children’s Hospital offers specialized services for patients including:
- Spirometery/ Pulmonary function tests
- Bronchoscopy
- Laboratory Studies
- Chest X-ray
- Bone Density Studies/ Dexa Scan
- Lung transplant preparation
Concussion Treatment Center
South Florida Kids are active all year round, especially when it comes to sports. Accidents can happen and with concussions on the rise, it’s important to know:
- What is a concussion?
- What should parents do the first days after a concussion?
- How long is the recovery process and how soon can my child return to sports
The Concussion Treatment Center team has pediatric specialists that work closely with your family doctor and pediatrician to help diagnose, treat, and manage concussion injuries. They will create a plan and educate the families and patients team of what steps should be taken to recover.
The Quantum House
The Quantum House is an on-campus hospitality home where families can stay while their children are receiving treatment for an illness or surgery. It’s a place where you can rest and relax while you take care of your child.
The DinoSoar Garden
This tranquil garden is a place for patients to escape. Fresh air, outdoors and with friendly dinosaurs. The garden was donated by the family of Kim Cameron.
Level III Neonatal Intensive Care
Planning to deliver your baby is an exciting time. But sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned or your newborn needs more specialized care.
Having your baby at St. Mary’s Medical Center will give you comfort knowing that there is a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) when your baby delivers..
The 45 Bed NICU is the largest NICU in Palm Beach County. One of 13 state designated Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Centers in Florida offering acute services for high-risk pregnancies. In-house neonatologists and anesthesiologists available 24/7.
Palm Beach Children’s Hospital is located at 901 45TH ST West Palm Beach, FL 33407. Follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Youtube.
Did you know Palm Beach Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s Medical Center had all of these services for children?
If you were surprised, then you’ll be excited to hear more scoop is coming and how I’ll be sharing in 2020.
Sponsored: Local Mom Scoop is sharing the scoop about Palm Beach Children’s Hospital at St. Mary’s Medical Center in West Palm Beach, Florida.
Disclaimer: Local Mom Scoop is not a doctor or health care provider. If there is an emergency, dial 911 or contact your doctor.
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