This significant milestone makes Deaconess Gateway and Midtown one of the first mixed-population emergency departments in the region to receive this prestigious designation, joining the ranks of only three other hospitals in the state verified as pediatric advanced emergency departments – including Riley Hospital for Children and Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, both in Indianapolis.

“Deaconess has been a leader in pediatric emergency care for over a decade, beginning in 2012 when we became Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics through the State of Illinois,” said Kristina Brown, Deaconess Emergency Department Clinical Nurse Specialist and Pediatric Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Coordinator. “Now, with Indiana launching its own pediatric verification program, we are proud to be among the first certified Pediatric Advanced Emergency Departments. This recognition demonstrates our unwavering commitment to providing the highest quality care to children in our region.”

Achieving this certification required meeting rigorous standards for pediatric care, including staff training, specialized equipment and policies tailored specifically for pediatric patients. The process also involved collaboration with inpatient pediatric units, EMS and emergency management teams to ensure seamless pediatric patient handoffs and readiness for pediatric care in disaster situations.

“Our goal is to keep children close to home for care whenever possible,” said Dr. Jeremy Curtis, Deaconess Emergency Room Physician and Pediatric Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Coordinator. “This certification proves that we are equipped to manage a wide range of pediatric emergencies, from respiratory conditions to critical illnesses. We’ve worked hard to align our protocols with top pediatric facilities, ensuring that families can trust Deaconess as their first stop for high-quality, compassionate care.”

The certification process included submitting extensive evidence to meet seven stringent standards, covering areas like pediatric safety, quality improvement, staff training and community outreach. Both Deaconess Gateway and Midtown Emergency Departments also excelled in the National Pediatric Readiness Project, with Gateway scoring a 97 and Midtown achieving similarly high marks.

This certification highlights the dedication of Deaconess’ multidisciplinary team, including its pediatric emergency care coordinators and their ongoing commitment to pediatric excellence. Families can now rest assured knowing that Deaconess is fully prepared to provide advanced pediatric emergency care and support for their children, right here at home.

For more information about pediatric emergency services at Deaconess, visit Deaconess.com.