Home   About Us   Divisions   Ask a Med-U-Nurse   Health Library   Find a Doctor   For Physicians   Job Opportunities   Make a Difference   News & Events    News Room    Kids Connection Newsletter    Support Groups    Special Events    Parenting Newsletter    Parenting Classes    Community Classes    Grand Rounds Schedule   Research   Residents & Fellows   Your Hospital Visit 171 Ashley Ave. Charleston, SC 29425 843-792-1414 800-424-MUSC		Print Version Pediatric ER redesigned to calm kid's fears By Marika Kelderman November 20 2008 Live 5 News CHARLESTON, SC (WCSC) - For anyone, a trip to the emergency room is an unsettling event but imagine being too young to understand what's going on and it can be terrifying. But MUSC's pediatric ER specializes in pint size patients and their new department is designed to calm those very fears. "There are colorful things on the wall that are conducive to keeping a happy attitude and allowing the kids some distraction. It makes it an easier visit for the family," Dr. Timothy Givens medical director of the ER said. He believes the transfer of patients from the current cramped space to the new $2.5 million wing will allow for better patient care. "I think having at atmosphere where it's calm, where the family can be together and where we can have the child in a relaxed atmosphere, we're going to get a better exam," Dr. Givens said. The decision to open the new ER was based on need. When the pediatric emergency room first opened its doors five years ago it saw 11,000 patients a year. Today that number has grown to 20,000. The ER stands as a separate entity at the hospital with its own entrance and waiting room. Expanding from 2,500 square feet to 5,000 it now grows from nine beds to twelve which means less waiting time and more streamlined care. "This room and one of the other rooms was designed where we could manage major resuscitations and trauma care. We can do procedures in here of any type. All kinds of things that might not have been as easily done in our previous space," Dr. Givens said. Each room features special monitors as well as flat screen TVs and DVD players. The bells and whistles a bonus but the heart of ER remains the staff. All specifically trained in pediatrics and the only ER in the state dedicated to treating just kids. The old pediatric ER space will be converted into part of the adult emergency room. Officials say it will help accommodate the growing need in that department
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