This is a new and innovative patient care paradigm, one of only a handful completed to date in the state of New Jersey. By combining a 5 bed inpatient pediatric unit with specialized pediatric emergency services, Virtua Memorial is able to provide a continuity of clinical care for pediatric patients and their families while maximizing the efficiency of pediatric clinicians, including those in partnership and collaboration with The Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP). The 9,000 SF facility, which responds completely to all of the pertinent guidelines for both pediatric inpatient and emergent care, also creates a family friendly environment in 6 private emergency exam rooms, inpatient bed rooms and lounge/play spaces. The pediatric emergency room maximizes several techniques to promote responsive treatment, including a shared open treatment space for non-critical patients as well as designated exam rooms with private toilet/showers. The plan accommodates independent use of either the inpatient unit or the emergency room by patients and their families, but promotes ease of transition from the ED to the inpatient facility for patients who are admitted, thus minimizing lost time, tension and confusion for the patient and family.
