South Suburban Hospital opens new pediatric unit

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Pediatric nurses Donielle Talbert (left) and Colleen Larkin view a chart Tuesday in a "family friendly" hallway of Advocate South Suburban Hospital’s new pediatric unit. | Supplied photo

Updated: March 2, 2012 8:14AM

Advocate South Suburban Hospital has combined its medical expertise with a child-friendly environment to create a new pediatric unit that opens Wednesday.

In collaboration with Advocate Hope Children’s Hospital in Oak Lawn, the Hazel Crest hospital rebuilt its second floor into the new specialized unit with 12 beds — 10 private rooms and two for observation — plus treatment rooms and an activity room.

“It is very child friendly and family friendly,” said Karen Clark, South Suburban Hospital’s vice president of operations. “It will be great care for kids.”

The new unit was planned to mirror Hope Children’s Hospital, even down to the colors on the walls and the medical equipment, she said. The staff also was trained at Hope.

Each private room includes a sleeper sofa, recliner and refrigerator so families can stay together. Children will be treated in a separate room so any unpleasantries they experience, such as shots or exams, won’t be associated with the room in which they are staying.

The unit will be staffed 24 hours a day by pediatric hospital-based physicians. The activity room will be staffed with a full-time child life specialist who will not just play with the children but make sure they are coping well in the hospital environment, spokesman Nate Llewellyn said. It will feature a TV, games, toys and crafts.

South Suburban Hospital, 17800 Kedzie Ave., always admitted children but has not had a dedicated pediatric unit for at least five years. Most young patients were sent to Hope Children’s Hospital or downtown.

“This will keep children in the community for their health care needs,” Clark said.

Pediatric patients who are seriously ill or in need of more specialized care may be transferred to Hope.