Amid much anticipation, the doors of the newly constructed Pediatric Emergency Center at USA Health Children’s & Women’s Hospital swung open to welcome patients and their families on March 11.

Deborah Browning, M.S.N., RN, CENP, Chief Executive Officer of Children’s & Women’s Hospital, expressed enthusiasm about the center's potential to revolutionize care delivery.

“Our new Pediatric Emergency Center will transform care delivery for our children within this community and beyond,” Browning said. “With specially trained pediatric emergency nurses, pediatric emergency medicine physicians, respiratory therapists and child life specialists, we are able to offer care that uniquely meets the needs of the children – from newborns to age 18.”

Expanding across nearly 19,000 square feet, the center boasts over 30 treatment areas, including 25 private treatment rooms, marking a significant increase from its predecessor. Notably, this enhanced space facilitates greater accommodation for parents and caregivers to stay with their children. Additionally, the center integrates sensory strategies aimed at calming and supporting patients during their emergency visits.

Operational around the clock, the facility stands as Alabama's sole emergency department certified for 100% pediatric readiness by the Alabama Department of Public Health.

“This is transformative,” said Edward Panacek, M.D., M.P.H., professor and chair of the department of emergency medicine. “The state-of-the-art capabilities of this new Pediatric Emergency Center, staffed by the only pediatric emergency specialists in the region, bring truly world-class pediatric care to Mobile.” 

USA Health initiated the project with groundbreaking in fall 2021 and officially dedicated the center in January.