Children’s Emergency Services

Methodist Children’s Hospital features a spacious Emergency Department devoted to children with 32 individual treatment rooms over 30,000 square feet. Our Emergency Department is staffed with specially trained and experienced pediatric registered nurses who are certified in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS). Each child receives individualized attention in a private treatment room by a physician who is board certified in pediatric emergency medicine.

The Methodist Children’s Heart Institute

The Methodist Children’s Heart Institute features a multidisciplinary team of experienced board-certified pediatric cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons dedicated to complex congenital cardiac and thoracic diseases, from prenatal diagnosis through adulthood. Methodist Children's Heart Institute performs a complete range of congenital cardiac surgical procedures including:

• Minimally-invasive septal defect repairs
• Complex single ventricle repairs
• Repair of congenital heart defects for neonatal, pediatric and adult patients
• Treatment of arrhythmia and heart failure
• Mechanical support
• Pediatric thoracic services (chest wall reconstruction, mediastinal operations and broncho-pulmonary surgery)

For more information, visit www.MHSChildrensHeartInstitute.com.

Children’s Blood and Marrow Stem Cell Transplant Program

Methodist Children’s Hospital, a campus of Methodist Hospital, is among the nation’s top three providers of blood and marrow stem cell and cord blood transplants for children. The program brings hope to children with leukemia, sickle cell disease and immunodeficiency syndromes such as SCIDS, (severe compromised immunodeficiency syndrome). In addition, Methodist Children’s Hospital has an inpatient unit devoted to hematology, oncology and transplant services.

Newborn Intensive Care Unit

Methodist Children’s Hospital has one of the largest Newborn Intensive Care Units in the region, featuring 78 beds over 19,000 square feet. Board-certified neonatologists and nurses specializing in the care of premature babies, or babies born with other health problems, are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week to meet the special health care needs of the hospital’s tiniest patients. A neonatal team also attends high-risk deliveries at Methodist Hospital’s Women’s Pavilion.

Pediatric Intensive Care Unit

Methodist Children’s Hospital provides a 17-bed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) with specially trained pediatric intensive care nurses and board- certified pediatric intensivists on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This care unit provides the highest level of treatment for children following major surgery, recovering from serious injuries or experiencing respiratory distress.

Newborn and Pediatric Transport Teams

Newborn and Pediatric Transport Teams are available to bring critically ill or injured infants and children to the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and premature infants to the Newborn Intensive Care Unit. Services are provided by Methodist AirCareTM and include a highly skilled medical crew and transport teams who are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Pediatric Surgeries

Methodist Children’s Hospital has seven operating suites for pediatric surgeries. Each operating room has equipment dedicated to pediatric surgery. The suites feature equipment that is designed especially for small patients undergoing neurosurgery or orthopedic procedures. We offer a 17-bed post surgical unit with nurses specially trained in the care of children who have been through surgery. This unit features a unique outer space theme with each patient room highlighting a different NASA space mission. Nurses, physical therapists and Child Life Specialists work together to encourage children to walk after surgery and join activities in the playroom.

Pediatric Neurosurgery

Methodist Children’s Hospital offers a comprehensive pediatric program that focuses on the care of newborns, infants, children and adolescents. The developing nervous system of children differs from that of adults and requires special attention to physiology and, anatomy and outcomes. A 10-bed unit is dedicated to the care of neuroscience patients. Pediatric neurosurgery involves the evaluation and treatment of head and spinal disorders that include hydrocephalus management, brain and spinal tumors, spina bifida, surgical management of spasticity, perinatal consultation for central nervous system birth defects, chiari malformation, craniosynotosis and trauma due to injuries.

Child Life Specialists

Certified Child Life Specialists coordinate activities for children and work to help children understand what is happening to them while in the hospital. These dedicated pediatric experts work to create a safe and fun environment for sick or recovering children, utilizing distraction methods, along with art and play therapy.

Pediatric Radiology Services

For pediatric radiology services, a pediatric anesthesiologist is on call to provide sedation to children undergoing imaging services such as MRIs that can often be frightening to a child. With sedation, the test can be performed more quickly and efficiently and with more comfort for the child and their family.

Call-A-Nurse for Children

If your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency you should always call 9-1-1. For less urgent conditions or if you are not sure whether you need to take your child to their pediatrician, Call-A-Nurse for Children provides after hours assistance by specially trained pediatric nurses. By calling 22-NURSE (226-8773), you can talk to a nurse about any concerns you have about your child’s health and well being. This free service is available from 5 p.m. to 8 a.m., Monday through Friday and around the clock on weekends and major holidays.

Well Waldo’s Wheels

Well Waldo’s Wheels is a free transportation service for children whose families need help getting to doctors’ appointments at Methodist Healthcare medical office buildings or with physicians who practice at Methodist Children’s Hospital. Parents are urged to call 48-hours in advance to ensure availability. Well Waldo’s Wheels serves those living in the following ZIP codes: 78201, 78202, 78203, 78204, 78205, 78206, 78207, 78208, 78210, 78212, 78215, 78225, 78226, 78237, 78228, 78229 and portions of 78211, 78213, 78214, 78221, 78223, 78224, and 78241.

Family Resource Center

Located on the fourth floor of Methodist Children’s Hospital, the Family Resource Center features three computer terminals with high-speed internet access so parents can check email and update family and friends on their child’s condition while in the hospital. Children and adolescents may utilize the center with adult supervision.

Pediatric Outpatient Clinics

Methodist Children’s Hospital provides children access to multiple doctors, rehabilitaton, respiratory therapists, dietitians, and case managers through its Pediatric Outpatient Clinic. It’s a multidisciplinary team approach that helps families with their child’s treatment planning and follow up care. Specialty clinics include care for children with asthma, brachial plexus injuries, craniofacial/congential anomalies such as cleft palate, neurodevelopment challenges, respiratory disorders (pulmonology), spina bifida, and spasticity disorders including treatment with intramuscular Botox.

Kids’ Express

Kids’ Express offers pediatric outpatient services in a child-friendly environment. Services include lab work, imaging, breathing treatments and IV medicines and fluids. No appointments necessary.

Young Heroes’ Club®

The Young Heroes’ Club is a special program for children 10 years old and younger. Members receive a membership kit including a card, growth chart, merit chart with stickers for completing chores and fun books with coloring pages and games. Young Heroes also receive a newsletter and invitations to special events just for kids throughout the year.

A Room Above the Clouds

This specially designed suite is used exclusively for end-of-life care for a terminally ill child and their family. This beautifully decorated suite allows families the opportunity to gather in a peaceful environment to say goodbye. A palliative care team includes chaplains, child life specialists, social workers and other staff members help families through this time of intense grief.