In June 2019, Livingston HealthCare received recognition as a Pediatric Prepared Facility from the Montana Emergency Medical Services for Children program at the Montana Department of Health and Human Services (DPHHS). Out of 48 Critical Access Hospitals in Montana, Livingston HealthCare is only the second to receive this recognition, and the twelfth to receive it out of all Montana hospitals.
“A lot of the focus initially was about the Emergency Department just being ready for any pediatric emergency that rolled through our doors,” Livingston HealthCare Director of Nursing Stacy Kohler, RN, said. “This is really important because pediatric patients are a very vulnerable population. The project has grown to include all areas of the hospital that care for pediatric patients. This [Pediatric Prepared Facility recognition] shows that we’re doing everything we can to give the absolute best care possible.”
The Pediatric Prepared Facility recognition from DPHHS is the higher of two recognitions given. Pediatric Capable Facilities are recognized as facilities that “have the ability to provide limited care and have a system in place to transfer to a pediatric prepared facility,” according to the DPHHS website. A facility that is recognized as Pediatric Prepared—such as Livingston HealthCare—has demonstrated the ability to provide advanced pediatric care for the majority of pediatric medical emergencies, including illness and injury.
The recognition is given based on specific criteria, which includes personnel training, equipment, and facilities that support optimal care for infants, children and adolescents.
“As far as the community is concerned, it’s knowing where they can bring their children as patients and feel confident that we [Livingston HealthCare] have physicians and staff members who are prepared and trained to give the absolute best care,” said Certified Emergency Nurse Rick DuCharme, who is Livingston HealthCare’s Pediatric Nurse Coordinator. “It shows that we’re committed to pediatric emergency medicine.”
The Pediatric Prepared Facility recognition lasts until June 2022.