Reimagining Emergency Care for Kids
For children and families, a trip to the emergency department can be frightening and overwhelming. At the same time, emergency care requires specialized knowledge, equipment and preparation to ensure young patients receive the safest, highest-quality care possible.
San Juan Regional Medical Center is expanding pediatric capabilities within our emergency department to create a more child-centered experience from the moment a child arrives. As the only hospital in the Four Corners with a dedicated pediatric unit, we are fortunate to provide specialized pediatric care close to home. This initiative builds on that commitment by extending pediatric-focused care into the emergency department.
Creating a More Welcoming Emergency Department
One of the first visible changes is the transformation of four pediatric exam rooms located in the emergency department. Local artist Christy Clugston created colorful, hand-painted murals designed to make the spaces feel more welcoming and calming for children and their families. As a pediatric nurse with more than 25 years of experience, Melanie Stout understands how important it is to make children and their families feel safe and supported during an emergency.
“The rooms will reflect the compassion, creativity and family-centered focus of the pediatric emergency department while supporting a child-friendly atmosphere for patients of all ages,” said Stout.
The community even helped select the designs through a voting contest hosted by the San Juan Medical Foundation. These murals are more than decoration. They are part of an intentional effort to reduce fear and anxiety and create an environment that feels more comfortable for children.
Local artist Christy Clugston, second from the left, celebrates the completion of the murals in four dedicated Pediatric Emergency Department rooms.
More Than a Child-Friendly Space
While colorful rooms can make a big difference, this initiative goes beyond what’s on the walls. The goal is to strengthen pediatric care at every level by building pediatric-focused care teams with specialized expertise. We are hiring emergency department registered nurses with pediatric experience and cross-training pediatric nurses to work in the emergency department. The result will be a more connected care experience for children and families.
“We want patients and families to see us as one team, with the same standards of care and that safe high-quality care that they come to expect,” said Stout.
That continuity reinforces our commitment to quality, safety and clinical excellence.
Preparing for Pediatric Emergencies
Another important part of the initiative is investing in education and emergency preparedness. Funds raised through community supportwill help provide high-fidelity pediatric simulation mannequins and other educational tools. These advanced mannequins allow nurses and other caregivers to practice responding to complex pediatric emergencies in a safe learning environment. The project also includes pediatric crash carts equipped with the supplies and equipment needed to care for children in an emergency.
Creature Comforts
Exceptional pediatric care isn't only about medical treatment. Comforts that remind children of home are also important to the healing process.
“Sometimes it's the smallest things that make the biggest difference,” said Stout. “Our goal is to provide every child with a teddy bear for comfort during their visit.”
The bear can become a brave companion throughout a hospital stay, while matching bandages and pretend IVs can give children an opportunity to process what is happening through play. We also hope to introduce colorful pediatric hospital gowns featuring fun designs to help children continue to feel like kids even when they're in a hospital.
Pediatric Care, Close to Home
Every part of this initiative reflects a larger commitment: providing child-centered care that supports not only a child's medical needs, but also their comfort, confidence and emotional well-being. Our goal is to make emergency care a little less scary and a lot more comforting for kids and their families.
“We’re really excited about this,” says Stout. “This is something near and dear to my heart, and everybody that loves caring for kids.”
Stay tuned for more updates as this special space comes to life. And check out the San Juan Medical Foundation’s fundraising efforts to help build something extraordinary for kids in our community at https://www.sanjuanmedicalfoundation.com/buildingwings2.