University Health designated Pediatric Sedation Center of Excellence
University Health has been designated a Pediatric Sedation Center of Excellence by the Society for Pediatric Sedation. This important designation was earned by the pediatric procedure services team, who help calm and comfort our young patients during prolonged and/or potentially painful therapeutic and diagnostic procedures, both inpatient and outpatient.
Our specialized pediatric sedation team is dedicated to helping pediatric patients successfully undergo necessary procedures in one convenient location, supporting them throughout the pre-procedure, intra-procedure, and recovery phases. The team includes 12 pediatric registered nurses, one pediatric critical care technician, seven pediatric hospitalists, and pediatric anesthesiologists who work collaboratively to provide the appropriate level of sedation for each patient. The pediatric nursing team is Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS) certified, and the pediatric hospitalist team is board certified and/or board eligible in both general pediatrics and pediatric hospital medicine, with specialized training in pediatric procedural sedation. To keep patients comfortable, the team uses a variety of techniques, including distraction devices such as toys, televisions, and tablets, Child Life services, anxiolysis, moderate sedation, and general anesthesia.
“The pediatric procedure services team exemplifies the highest standards of care that University Health provides to our community’s pediatric patients,” said Kristy Mendoza, patient care coordinator for the pediatric sedation/vascular access team.
“Each staff member is dedicated to ensuring patient safety, advocating for every patient’s best interests, and delivering compassionate, family-centered care,” Mendoza said. “They understand that families are often facing some of the most challenging moments in their lives and consistently go above and beyond to make necessary treatments and procedures as comfortable and stress-free as possible. I am incredibly proud to be a part of this exceptional team.”
The team manages more than 1,000 cases a year, with 59% managed with sedation and 40% managed with pediatric anesthesia. Sedation cases include common procedures such as burn debridement and dressing changes, lumbar punctures, bone marrow biopsies and MRIs.
Patients with complex medical issues that include airway, respiratory, cardiac, or metabolic conditions are sedated by pediatric anesthesiologists.
“We applaud your team for its commitment to providing high quality sedation care for your pediatric patients,” the Society said in its award letter. “On behalf of the Society for Pediatric Sedation and the entire Quality & Safety Committee, we extend our heartiest congratulations to your team for their achievement!”
The Center of Excellence in Pediatric Sedation designation will be active for four years, from now through January 2030.
