The Licking Memorial Hospital Pediatric Unit is located on the fourth floor (4-South). We have specially trained staff to meet children’s health care needs, plus pediatric rooms specifically designed for the safety and comfort of our pediatric patients and families.
Pediatric Hospitalists
A child’s primary care physician (PCP) or pediatrician may ask a pediatric hospitalist to assist in the care of a pediatric patient while he or she is admitted to Licking Memorial Hospital. A pediatric hospitalist is a physician who is located at the Hospital and provides medical supervision for children, as well as timely communication in consultation with the patient's PCP or pediatrician.
Special Features of the Pediatric Unit at Licking Memorial Hospital
Our patient rooms have equipment designed to fit children of all ages and sizes. Other special features of the pediatric unit include:
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A private area for breast-feeding
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Open visiting hours
- Toys, books and games available for pediatric patients to use in their rooms
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We provide an additional hospital bed for one family member to stay overnight.
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Care from our staff that is compassionate and understanding.
Identifying Caregivers–
Each LMHS employee wears an identification (ID) badge. Additionally, to better identify your child's caregivers, we have a uniform color for each job type:
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Nurses – navy blue;
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Point of Care Technicians – bright blue (sapphire);
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Therapists – green (peacock);
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Case Management – black and white uniform; and
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Dietitians – white lab coats with emblem on left lapel.
Assisting with Your Child’s Care
Crib Sides/Bed Rails
For your child's protection, always make sure the crib sides and bed rails are pulled up all the way and locked in place.
Protective Precautions
Your child’s doctors and nurses may be required by law to wear certain items during certain procedures. This may involve the use of gloves, masks, goggles, face shields and/or gowns. These precautions are used to protect your child, as well as the doctor, nurse or therapist, and reduce the risk of spreading infection.
Procedures
During the night, your child may be awakened for temperature readings, medications and treatments. This is done to provide needed care.
Door Signs
It is important to keep accurate records of all of your child’s drink and food intake, as well as urinary output and/or bowel movements during your child’s stay. Please check with the nursing staff before emptying a bedpan or allowing your child to use the bathroom.
Treatment Rooms
At times, children will be taken to another area or room for care. If this is done, we will try to contact you and allow you to go with them, if possible.
Identification Bands
To provide positive identification for your child ages 0-17 years, and to assure quality care is safely administered, an ID band has been placed on your child and the number recorded in our computer system. A similar band has been placed on the adult caregiver with a matching number to further enhance the safety and security of our patients. We request that you assist in keeping your child’s ID band on until discharge, as treatment cannot be given without this band in place. Should the band become damaged or removed, the staff will replace it as necessary.
Leaving the Unit
Please ask permission before letting your child leave the pediatric unit.
Hand Washing
Hand washing decreases the risk of patients getting an infection while in the hospital. You should wash your hands each time you enter and leave your child’s room. Your child should also have the opportunity to wash his/her hands before eating.
Isolation
Should you see a sign on your child’s room saying “Isolation,” do not be alarmed. It is simply a measure taken to protect your child and others against the spread of infection. If your child is placed in isolation, please check with the nurse in charge of your child’s care for instructions.
Overnight Accommodations
We realize that no one knows your child better than you do, and we understand that you may want to stay overnight with your child. We encourage one parent or caregiver to stay overnight, and we will provide an additional hospital bed in the room for your use.