Children's Health, United Hospital

Spectrum Health United Hospital Opens Pediatric Observation Unit in Collaboration with Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital

Greenville, Mich., November 11, 2019 – Spectrum Health United Hospital announces the opening of pediatric observation units in coordination with Spectrum Health Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital (HDVCH). This program has been developed in strong collaboration with the regional Emergency Care Specialists teams and HDVCH physicians to enhance pediatric care available throughout the region.

The Pediatric Observation Program provides designated rooms within the hospital emergency department for pediatric observation. Pediatric patients who meet established criteria will be observed in the unit for a maximum of 24 hours rather than being admitted. Regional providers will then partner with Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital physicians on the initial care plan for each child as needed, based on the child’s progress.

“We are so pleased to offer the Pediatric Observation Program to our community,” said Carol Dwyer, chief nursing officer at United Hospital. “Our collaboration with colleagues at the Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital has created a convenient, safe and effective means to care for patients locally. Parents will be delighted that their children can be cared for close to home.”

“Spectrum Health United Hospital focuses on the patient and family and this impacts the healing process in a highly positive manner,” Dwyer said. “The Pediatric Observation Program is designed to provide expert care through our connection with Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, yet minimize the stress and financial burden by avoiding a transfer to Grand Rapids when possible.”

In critical cases, or if a patient’s symptoms fall outside the criteria to stay for observation, the patient will be transferred to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital for specialized pediatric care.

A celebration of partnership will be held on Monday, November 18, 2019. A brief ceremony and tour will take place at 1 p.m. in the United Hospital Central Waiting Area (near the Gift Shop). The celebration is open to the public. Refreshments will be provided.

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is a 234-bed regional referral center and teaching hospital that also houses a pediatric neurocritical care unit, the only of such kind in West Michigan. It offers advanced pediatric specialty care with more than 300 pediatric physicians who practice in more than 50 pediatric specialties and programs. Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is Michigan’s largest neonatal center.

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