The outstanding pediatric care available at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center is about to get even better.

When the hospital's expansion project is complete, all current pediatric beds will move to a new, dedicated Pediatric Unit on the fifth floor of the hospital's north tower. The unit will have additional beds and staffing, a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU), advanced technology and a comfortable kid- and family-friendly environment.

"This will be the only pediatric unit of its type in the western suburbs of Las Vegas and one of only three comprehensive pediatric units in the entire city," says Joanna Bacon, RN, Manager of Maternal/Child Services at Summerlin Hospital Medical Center. "We're excited that we'll be able to offer local residents a higher level and quality of care."

Family-centered care
Through the Pediatric Unit, staff provide infants, children and adolescents up to the age of 17 with general and advanced pediatric care. The new unit will be more than double the size of the existing Pediatric Unit. It will house 17 private rooms for general pediatric care and a 12-bed PICU for patients suffering with serious injuries or illnesses.

All patients will have private rooms and receive care from a team of healthcare professionals, including pediatricians and pediatric advanced life support trained nurses. Patients also will have access to a variety of subspecialty services, including pediatric orthopedic surgery, cardiology, neurology and pulmonary medicine.

Beyond medical care
The new Pediatric Unit will be designed to make each child's visit as pleasant and comfortable as possible. Here are some of the special features planned for the new unit:

• A unique and captivating zoo and animal décor
• A decorated playroom complete with toys, books and a computer
• A child life specialist who will develop and coordinate arts and crafts, games and other activities to encourage kids to have fun and work through their feelings about their illnesses

"Spending time in the hospital can be stressful for kids and their parents," says Bacon. "Our new unit will allow us to provide the high quality care our patients need in a comfortable and nurturing environment designed just for them."

To find out more about Summerlin Hospital Medical Center's Pediatric Program, call 233-7101 or visit us online at www.summerlinhospital.org/pediatrics.

The Valley Health System c/o Valley Hospital Medical Center 620 Shadow Lane Las Vegas, NV 89106