RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) -- A new resource dedicated to children who are ill or seriously hurt is open for business. St. Mary’s Hospital is home to the area’s newest pediatric emergency department.
The new facility is equipped with specialized treatment rooms, private waiting areas and a staff committed specifically to the well-being of children.
The unit is completely separate from the adult emergency room. The unit is staffed by doctors and nurses specialized to treat little patients. Care inside the state of the art unit is centered on the family.
The staff teaches patients about procedures using I-Pads and other visuals to ease the child’s anxiety and lessen the trauma.
“It is providing better care for children than they have ever had before," Dr. Frank Petruzella said. "We’re able to include the family and siblings in not only medical decision making but also comforting the patient.”
Before the unit was open children and adult patients would share the same waiting area and trauma unit. The facility is open around the clock 365 days a year.
St. Mary’s is a part of Bon Secours and is located at the corner of Monument Avenue and Libbe Avenues in Henrico’s west end.
