A place for kids with medical emergencies big and small

November 17, 2016

New University Children’s Emergency Department at University Hospital offers fast access to a wide range of pediatric specialists from the UT Health Science Center

BACKGROUND: While it’s not the main entrance, emergency departments are often described as a hospital’s “front door” by those who take care of patients. And on Friday, Nov. 18, University Hospital will hold a grand opening celebration for its new front door for kids.

The new University Children’s Emergency Department is a separate, dedicated emergency center, capable of handling any kind of emergency — from a worrisome middle-of-the-night fever, to the kinds of urgent problems that can happen quickly in children with complex or chronic medical conditions. It features 16 patient rooms, a procedure room, resuscitation room and behavioral health room. And if a child requires more serious care for an injury, the only Level I Pediatric Trauma Center in South Texas is just seconds away.

Three years ago, the pediatric physician specialists from the UT Health Science Center School of Medicine joined with University Health System, bringing their expertise in the care of children with serious and complex medical problems. These specialists are available in-house, around-the-clock, to provide continuity of care for a child with ongoing medical conditions such as a congenital heart defect, asthma or cancer when an urgent problem develops, or to offer expert guidance when a serious problem is diagnosed.

WHO:

  • Michael Roussos, University Hospital Administrator
  • Mark Webb, CEO of Pediatric Services, University Health System
  • Dr. Thomas Mayes, chair of Pediatrics, UT Health Science Center
  • Dr. Daniel Dire, medical director, University Children’s Emergency Department
  • Patients and families

WHAT: Grand opening of the new Children’s Health Emergency Department at University Hospital

WHEN: 10:30 a.m. Friday, Nov. 18

WHERE: University Hospital, 4502 Medical Drive. Meet in the lobby for an escort.

For news media:

Our news team can help you find an expert to interview. Visit our Media Relations page for more information, or call 210-358-2335.

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