Progress West Expands Services to Admit Pediatric Patients

Through a partnership with St. Louis Children's Hospital, Progress West can admit pediatric patients to the Hospital for overnight inpatient care and observation. "We wanted to wait to start providing inpatient pediatric care until we knew we had a top level pediatric staff to care for the child and their parents," says Jean Stroud, RN, BSN, manager, SLCH pediatric off-site services. "Children are not small adults; they are special individuals who have age-specific developmental needs, along with weight-based interventions, so it's crucial to have experienced pediatric nursing staff and physicians available to provide that special care."

Fourteen-month old Carly Alexander was one of the first pediatric patients admitted for an overnight stay at Progress West. "The care we received was exceptional. The staff was friendly, professional and knowledgeable. They were as concerned for us, the parents, as they were for Carly. They made sure we were comfortable and informed," says Bill Alexander, Carly's dad.

While here, St. Louis Children's pediatricians provide care and work with the child's primary pediatrician. Dedicated pediatric nurses assess and monitor the child's care.

"For months the community has been overwhelmingly pleased with the level of pediatric care available in the emergency room at Progress West; now they will be able to experience it should their child need inpatient care," says Stroud.  "I am so thrilled that children in this community can come to this wonderful hospital and receive excellent pediatric care . . . the kind that would be expected with the St. Louis Children's Hospital name."

With four inpatient beds, admissions can be one night or longer if the child's condition warrants extended treatment. Major cases, such as children who require specialized care for cancer, blood diseases or other complex conditions, will continue to be referred to St. Louis Children's Hospital.

St. Louis Children's Hospital has a strong presence throughout Progress West, from the pediatric emergency physicians available 24/7, to the neonatologist on-call. With inpatient services for pediatric patients, Progress West is better able to meet the needs of area families, promoting a child-focused, family-centered approach.