Western Wisconsin Health Emergency Department Earns Prestigious Pediatric Readiness Recognition

Western Wisconsin Health (WWH) is proud to announce that its Emergency Department (ED) has been awarded the Pediatric Readiness Recognition by the Wisconsin Emergency Medical Services for Children (WI EMSC). This esteemed recognition highlights WWH's commitment to providing top-tier, evidence-based pediatric emergency care and addressing health inequities in rural healthcare settings.

The journey began in June 2023 when the ED joined the 2nd Pediatric Cohort offered by WI EMSC. This program aimed to enhance access to quality pediatric emergency care across rural EDs. Over the course of the program, which concluded in May 2024, WWH took proactive steps to exceed expectations by applying for the Pediatric Readiness Recognition.

In May, a dedicated team from the Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin conducted an onsite review of WWH’s emergency department, including evaluations of workflows, policies, procedures, and patient charts. On June 4th, WWH received official notification from the Advisory Committee that the hospital had successfully earned the Pediatric Readiness Recognition. The review team and Advisory Committee praised WWH, stating, "Facility-wide, you all impressed us with your support for one another and dedication to pediatric care!"

This recognition, valid for three years, can be renewed, marking a significant achievement for WWH. It underscores the hospital’s continuous efforts to provide exceptional pediatric care in the region.

During its time with the Pediatric Cohort, WWH implemented several key initiatives, including:

• The appointment of a Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator Nurse, Karisa
• The addition of a Physician Pediatric Coordinator, Dr. Sibley
• Implementation of quality improvement processes, such as weighing all patients in kilograms
• Development and refinement of pediatric-specific policies, procedures, protocols, and disaster planning
• Enhancement of pediatric-based competencies among staff

On August 6th, Carissa Brunner, Program Leader with the Children’s Health Alliance of Wisconsin, presented WWH with a plaque commemorating this achievement. Western Wisconsin Health is now one of only two facilities in the state to receive this recognition.

"We are immensely proud of our Emergency Department team for their hard work and dedication," said Shonda Helgeson, WWH Chief Nursing Officer. "This recognition is a testament to our commitment to redefining rural healthcare and ensuring that children in our community receive the best possible emergency care."