(SitNews) Anchorage, Alaska - The Alaska Native Medical Center became the first hospital in Alaska recognized as a comprehensive pediatric emergency care facility by the Pediatric Facility Recognition Program run by the Department of Health and Social Services in conjunction with the Alaska Emergency Medical Services for Children Advisory Board.

“ANMC was the first certified Level II trauma center in Alaska, and is now also recognized for providing excellent care for pediatric emergency patients,” said DHSS Commissioner Valerie Davidson. “Congratulations to the ANMC team for this incredible accomplishment.”

Funded by an Emergency Medical Services for Children grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, the program works with hospitals to meet Alaska Emergency Medical Services for Children requirements and achieve pediatric recognition. The criteria for recognition include:

• A pediatric intensive care unit

• Professionals specially trained in pediatric intensive and emergency care

• Adequate staffing and provisions for pediatric intensive and emergency care

• Adequate staffing and provisions for pediatric consultation and backup

• Availability of essential pediatric equipment, supplies and medication

• Protocols for the treatment of critically ill and injured children

• Access to specialized pediatric inter-facility transport services for critically ill and injured

  children, as well as protocols to assist in the transfer process

• Ongoing pediatric critical care and emergency care quality improvement activities.

Doctors, nurses and emergency medical providers developed the Alaska Pediatric Facility Recognition Program based on expertise in emergency and pediatric medicine. The process took several years. Hospital participation in the program is voluntary.

Edited by Mary Kauffman, SitNews

Source of News:

Alaska Department of Health & Social Services
www.dhss.alaska.gov

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