WellStar opens new inpatient pediatric unit

WellStar Kennestone Hospital opened a new inpatient pediatric unit. Previously, Cobb County did not have an inpatient pediatric unit, forcing families to leave their community to receive hospital-based care. The new unit will keep pediatric patients and their families close to home.

"WellStar treats the entire family," said Candice Saunders, president & CEO of WellStar Health System. "By adding an inpatient pediatric unit, we are expanding the care we offer our patients and now they can receive care close to home without added stress or inconvenience."

The 4,700 sq. ft. unit is staffed 24/7 exclusively by pediatric-trained caregivers including a team of pediatric hospitalists who remain on duty around the clock, pediatric nurses, pediatric respiratory therapists and a dedicated pediatric pharmacist.

"We took great effort to ensure that we were getting the 'best of the best' in pediatric care to serve on this unit," said Avril Beckford, M.D., WellStar chief pediatric officer. "The child is at the center of everything we do. For the children of our community, we recruited the cream of the crop in pediatrics."

Lead Hospitalist Timothy Horton, M.D. comes to WellStar from Children's Hospital of Los Angeles and Carrie Nalisnick, M.D., assistant lead hospitalist, joins the team from St. Louis Children's Hospital. Additionally physicians Manpreet Dhillon, M.D. and Blaine Crosslan, M.D. will join the team. In all, 28 pediatric team members will work in the unit including nurses, respiratory therapists and support services.

The brightly colored, child-friendly space features 12 private patient rooms for overnight hospital stays, complete with artwork created by local elementary and middle school students. Parents are able to take time out in a dedicated family lounge, which offers refreshments, comfortable seating, computer areas for checking emails and a playroom for young visitors.

Additionally, patients will benefit from a central monitoring system in each exam room, enhanced security, ultraviolet filters for infection control, and all pediatric-specific and pediatric friendly equipment.

"We're always looking for new ways to better serve our families at Kennestone," said Dan Woods, president of WellStar Kennestone Hospital. "With our team of leading pediatric specialists, families can expect extraordinary care and a healing environment designed just for children right here in our community."

The opening of the inpatient pediatric unit is part of WellStar's strategic focus on expanding its level of services for the whole family. The unit opens on the heels of the launching orthopedic pediatric surgery at WellStar Windy Hill Hospital. Kids benefit from pediatric specific low-dose imaging at WellStar Pediatric Center, which also has a rehabilitation area featuring aquatic physical therapy. Parents appreciate the ability to take kids who aren't feeling well for after-hours care at the Pediatric Center, open evenings and weekends.