May 19, 1999

SPRINGFIELD, IL -- Seventeen hospitals in central and southwestern Illinois will be recognized Thursday by the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program for having the essential resources and capabilities to meet the emergency needs of seriously ill and injured children.

"Children are not small adults. They have unique needs that require special training, equipment and supplies," said Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state public health director. "They cannot be cared for in emergency care systems initially developed for adult patients.

"This program recognizes institutions that enhance the capabilities of their emergency departments to care for the pediatric patient. As a result, parents and other responsible persons will be able to make informed decisions about their children's emergency care."

Dr. Lumpkin will present each hospital with a certificate of recognition during a ceremony Thursday at 10 a.m. at Anderson Hospital, Route 162, Maryville.

Hospitals can apply for one of two levels of voluntary recognition. Facilities that can provide comprehensive emergency services can apply for recognition as an Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics (EDAP). The Standby Emergency Department for Pediatrics (SEDP) recognition ensures that smaller hospitals can provide stabilization measures and have transfer guidelines in place when more definitive care is needed.

Hospitals participating in this process receive a site visit by the EMSC program to verify that they are capable of meeting the following key pediatric emergency care standards:

•Professionals specially trained in pediatric emergency care;
•Adequate staffing patterns and provisions for pediatric consultation and backup to support provision of pediatric emergency care services;
•Availability of essential pediatric equipment, supplies and medication;
•Implementation of protocols for the treatment of abused and of critically ill and injured children;
•Implementation of protocols for interfacility transfers of critically ill and injured children to a specialized care center; and
•Incorporation of pediatrics into emergency services quality improvement activities.

The Illinois EMSC program, a collaborative effort of the Illinois Department of Public Health and Loyola University Medical Center, began in 1994 with a statewide evaluation of pediatric emergency care resources and capabilities and is now supporting initiatives aimed at enhancing care for children.

(EDAP - Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics)
(SEDP -- Standby Emergency Department for Pediatrics)

Illinois Department of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments