Pediatric ER Services Recommended
A Wall Street Journal article, reprinted by the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, reports that some hospitals are investing in special pediatric emergency room units. While children represent almost a third of all ER visits, fewer than 6 percent of hospitals have the recommended special medical equipment for treating children on hand, and only 25 percent have access to a board-certified doctor of pediatric emergency medicine. In a recent opinion column, the Washington Post urges that hospitals have more and better-trained staff on hand to care for children in their emergency rooms. The article also recommends pediatric-specific disaster plans and increased funding for the Emergency Medical Services for Children program.