Saint Anthony’s Emergency Department Receives State Designation for Pediatrics
(November 21, 2012) – Saint Anthony’s Health Center recently received renewal of their Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics (EDAP) status with Emergency Medical Services Region 4 in the state of Illinois. The Illinois Department of Public Health extended the facility’s EDAP status to 2016, following an onsite visit to the Saint Anthony’s campus.
“This recognition speaks volumes about our physicians, nurses and Mission Partners who care for pediatric patients,” says E.J. Kuiper, President & CEO. “As an EDAP facility for several years now, Saint Anthony’s continues to provide specialized emergency care that’s required in caring for the unique needs of children.”
Hospitals that earn the EDAP designation have verified that they are capable of meeting key pediatric emergency care standards which include:
- RN’s and physicians certified in PALS (Pediatric Advance Life Support)
- adequate staffing and provisions for pediatric consultation and backup to support pediatric emergency care services
- availability of essential pediatric equipment, supplies and medication
- implementation of protocols for inter-facility transfers of critically ill and injured children to a specialized care center
- met and passed all state qualifications determined by the Illinois Department of Health
Under the medical direction of Ghanem Abusbeih, M.D., Saint Anthony's Emergency Services has been an EDAP facility since 1999.
“Parents can have peace of mind that their children are being treated by highly trained clinicians,” adds Kuiper. “In addition to the Emergency Room pediatric readiness, our Level II maternity service provides specialized care for low birth-weight newborns with mild to moderate respiratory problems, infection or low blood glucose levels.” The Health Center is affiliated with the Southern Illinois Perinatal Program, a network of hospitals in St. Louis and the Metro-East.
Saint Anthony’s emergency medical team recently also began working with the MidAmerica Stroke Network as part of its affiliation to effectively treat stroke patients on-site in a timely manner, which may improve patient outcomes and possibly identify those patients who may benefit from a higher level of care.
Kuiper notes that Saint Anthony’s was recently recognized by The Joint Commission as a Top Performer on Key Quality Measures in the nation for delivering outstanding patient care. “Every day, our Mission Partners strive for the best possible outcomes for patients of all ages.”
For more information on Saint Anthony’s Emergency Department, call 618-474-6260.