Pediatric Emergency Medicine

As soon as you step through the doors, you’ll notice the difference right away. “All of our nurses usually wear specialty tops that are just a little bit more fun than your average blue that you see everywhere else in Lee Health. We also have toys that we can provide with them for distraction, we have iPads for distraction when they’re getting procedures as well.” Shelly Callendar is the Director of Emergency Services for Pediatrics at Golisano Children’s Hospital. “Our goal is to treat kids in our area and keep them close to home.”

Golisano has Lee County’s only pediatric emergency department. “Kids are not small adults; they need specialized care. We don’t treat kids with medication like we treat them with adults,” said Callendar.

The doctors and nurses in the ED are specifically trained to help children. If a child has to be admitted, they can go right upstairs for the specialty care they need. Emotional support dogs can help normalize the hospital environment. Child life specialists will be able to work with and answer any questions that families may have. “Our Child Life Specialists will take the time to sit with them to go over what a CT is, or an MRI, or an IV. Show them what it is, and it really helps get them through a hard time when they’re here in the ED,” said Callender.

The emergency department is the place to come if a child is in distress. “If you have any concerns about respiratory distress. A high fever something that you can’t be seen by your urgent or primary care immediately and you have concerns,” said Callender. The emergency department at Golisano is open 24/7 365.