Inpatient Services

The inpatient service, staffed by hospitalists and pediatric intensivists, continues to grow. In 2015, over 2,300 patients were discharged, its busiest year to date. In the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, specialized care is provided for critically ill patients. The inpatient services utilize a multidisciplinary team of hospitalists, pediatric specialists, nurses, social workers, and child life specialists. A New York City Board of Education teacher and pharmacists are also available to address each child’s unique medical needs.

There continues to be a high volume of critically ill children with complex diseases. Many of these diseases are related to psychosocial issues often connected with economically challenged communities. Ongoing multidisciplinary leadership and pediatric team meetings, with the nursing staff taking an active role, have reinforced the high quality of care provided. Patient safety is a continuing priority. Cardiac monitors that provide state-of-the-art monitoring are also available to patients.

A public school teacher is adding an important dimension to the care giving process, offering bedside and classroom instruction, while a Certified Child Life Specialist helps children alleviate their fears and resolve potential problems, through recreational and educational activities. Weekly visits by the Big Apple Circus ClownCare™ program are an important part of the recovery process.