While the new concept of a Geriatric Emergency Department is garnering attention recently, Mount Sinai’s Pediatric Emergency Department continues its tradition of innovation and excellence in caring for children during the most stressful of times.
Recent investments include staffing Child Life Specialists, whose role is to advocate for patient care and act as a liaison between patients, families and care providers.
Also, Pediatric Emergency physician Dr. Audrey Paul has spearheaded a community outreach, entitled, “How to Navigate an Emergency Room Visit with your Child.” This innovative bilingual workshop was the first in a series of parent education initiatives for parents in low-income and underserved communities on preparing for pediatric emergencies. The project began at Little Sisters of the Assumption and will expand to additional areas to reach more families in underserved communities.
Along with several Sinai pediatrics residents and the support of local philanthropy, Dr. Paul presented clinical scenarios to workshop attendees, designed to teach parents how to be effective health advocates for their children and make use of resources such as the interpreter and child life specialists. Participating parents were also encouraged to ask about discharge planning, diagnoses and medications. Dr. Paul shared, “Children who cannot speak for themselves need their parents’ voices to help them through any kind of emergency or urgency.”
This Sunday, Mount Sinai’s Emergency Department is hosting its first-ever gala, to highlight the efforts of the Pediatric and Geriatric Emergency Department. Please support Mount Sinai’s efforts to provide compassionate, innovative care to children and seniors.