Sick children requiring emergency treatment in Richmond will now benefit from a new short-stay paediatrics unit at Richmond Hospital.
"The biggest difference is that the children won't be in the emergency department overnight, where it's lights on 24/7," said paediatrics nurse Megan Ireland.
The five-bed unit is a result of hospital staff reclaiming part of an underused waiting area as well as a small unused room adjacent to the emergency department.
The unit has separate rooms for cleaning and medical supplies, a front desk for a nurse such as Ireland as well as a television and waiting room for family members.
It is intended for children experiencing short-term illnesses or recovering from minor surgeries, meaning many will not have to be transferred to Children's Hospital in Vancouver.
The unit also includes new, special paediatrics equipment such as cardiac monitors and an automated pharmacy system.
According to the hospital, in 2013, more than 6,500 children received emergency care at Richmond Hospital and more than 200 children received surgical care.
“A hospital is never a fun place to be, especially for children,” said Dr. Erik Swartz, head of pediatrics at Vancouver Coastal Health and Providence Health Care, in a written statement.
“This new unit was specially designed with children and families in mind so we could provide a quiet space that reduces anxiety while also meeting the medical and surgical needs of our youngest residents right here at home,” added Swartz.
The unit was partly paid for with a $200,000 donation from the Richmond Hospital Foundation.
“We wish to thank all of our donors who helped to fund the specialized pediatrics equipment to provide care for children and their families, creating a welcoming and family-friendly environment,” said Natalie Meixner, president and CEO of Richmond Hospital Foundation.
