The new pediatric waiting room is part of expanded pediatric services at Bridgeport Hospital’s Emergency Department. The waiting room is separate from the adult ED waiting room and includes books, a TV and touchscreen tablets with child-friendly entertainment.
Bridgeport Hospital has expanded pediatric services in the Emergency Department thanks to a partnership with Yale New Haven Children’s Hospital. With this new collaboration, the ED will now have 18 hours a day of specialized pediatric emergency care with the current staff of pediatric nurses and child-life specialists and 24/7 pediatric inpatient coverage.
“Emergency Departments that are dedicated to children offer care specifically designed for their unique needs,” said Rakesh Mistry, MD, section chief of Pediatric Emergency Medicine, YNHCH, and professor of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine. “With teams trained in pediatric medicine, we can provide more precise diagnoses and stronger emotional support for our young patients. We are really excited to partner with Bridgeport Hospital and expand our ability to care for children in the region.”
The ED has a seven-bed pediatric unit and a new, enclosed waiting area to provide a safe environment for families, separate from the areas used by adult patients. The waiting room features a television, touchscreen tablets and books for children.
“The environment is tailored to reduce anxiety and improve outcomes through age-appropriate equipment, protocols and family-centered practices,” said Justin Cahill, MD, chair of Emergency Medicine at Bridgeport Hospital.
“We understand that when a family needs emergency care, they seek the most specialized providers,” said Magna Dias, MD, chair of Pediatrics at Bridgeport Hospital, regional medical director for Inpatient Pediatric Services at YNHCH and professor of Pediatrics, Yale School of Medicine. “Our goal is to ensure they know they can find that level of expertise right here close to home.”
