Care Philosophy

We strive to provide our pediatric patients with excellent medical care in a nurturing, safe and supportive environment. We realize a hospital admission for any reason is always a difficult and stressful time for the children as well as their families.

While hospital policies often limit visiting hours we are aware of the special needs of children. You may stay with your child 24-hours-a-day if you wish.

Your child might be our primary patient, but we'll take care of you, too. We have refreshments, sleeping accommodations and restrooms just for parents.

Medical Services

Pediatric services are provided to inpatients and outpatients of different age groups including neonates, infants, children and adolescents.

Primary diagnoses of our patients include (but are not limited to) respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia, bronchitis (including RSV infection) and asthma. Other common diagnoses are fever of unknown origin, gastroenteritis and various nutritional or metabolic disorders, including diabetes.

Medical specialists on staff at FMH are available for consultations. Neonatologists are in house 24/7 and can assist in the assessment and treatment of patients readmitted within the first month of life.

Overnight post surgical care for pediatric patients is available.

Mental health consultations are provided through physicians on staff when needed.

Patients who require more extensive services such as intensive care or consultation by specialists not available at FMH are referred to tertiary care centers. Through years of interaction with academic centers our physicians have developed long standing relationships with these area referral centers.

Extensive laboratory and radiology services are available on site.

Nursing Services

A comprehensive assessment of each patient is completed upon admission to the Pediatric Department.   This assessment may include: learning needs, psychosocial, physical and cultural assessments; patient and family interviews; and the review of laboratory, radiology and other diagnostic test results.  Once the initial patient assessment has been completed the pediatric nurses will work with the family to develop a plan of care based on the patient's identified needs.

Our nursing staff assists the attending physician with performance of required procedures. Other nursing care may include:

• therapy for newborn jaundice (phototherapy),
• tube feedings, monitoring,
• assessment of respiratory status,
• beside testing such as blood sugar measurement,
• fluid and nutrition support,
• IV therapy,
• blood product administration,
• oxygen and nebulizer treatments,
• pain management, and
• postoperative care measures, including drain care, catheter and wound care.

Nurses reassess each patient at specific intervals based how they're responding to the care or treatments provided.

We'll provide educational support and information to both you -- the parent -- and your child -- the patient -- if it's age appropriate. We'll teach you the skills you'll need to care for your child after he or she is discharged from the hospital. Instructions may address topics relating to the patient's diagnosis and condition.

Instructions and demonstrations may include:

• medication administration,
• other treatments such as nebulizers,
• wound care and dressing changes,
• pain management,
• effect of medications,
• infection control,
• infant care,
• infant safety and security and nutrition.

Discharge planning is provided though the patient's nurse in collaboration with the hospital care coordinator who assists with insurance issues and outpatient needs at discharge such as medical equipment, referrals and home care.

All patients receive discharge instructions pertinent to their diagnoses.  These instructions may include information on diet, equipment needed, activity, medications, follow-up care and/or physician appointments.

Ancillary Services

In addition to the laboratory, radiology and care coordination services already mentioned, further services are available to pediatric patients at FMH. These include:

• social work services,
• pharmacy services,
• nutritionists,
• respiratory therapists,
• physical and occupational therapists,
• IV therapists, and;
• a multitude of services provided by our hospital volunteers.

Our Pediatric Department is committed to providing excellent medical care to your child and to alleviate the stresses and worries associated with your child's hospital admission through a family-centered, safe and caring environment.