Children’s Hospital of New Orleans: A Beacon of Pediatric Care
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By: Inside NOLA
Children’s Hospital of New Orleans has been a guiding light of hope and healing for children and families across Louisiana and the Gulf South since its establishment in 1955. As the sole freestanding pediatric hospital in the state, Children’s Hospital has remained steadfast in its mission to provide comprehensive pediatric healthcare that recognizes the unique needs of children through excellence in patient care, education, research, and advocacy.
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TL;DR
Children’s Hospital of New Orleans is Louisiana’s only freestanding pediatric facility, delivering specialized care to children since 1955.
The hospital offers over 40 pediatric specialties, cutting-edge facilities, and a team of dedicated medical professionals.
Children’s Hospital upholds its commitment to advancing pediatric care through research, education, and community outreach while supporting patients and families with comprehensive services and programs.
Comprehensive Services at Children’s Hospital of New Orleans
Children’s Hospital of New Orleans provides a full range of medical services tailored to the unique needs of children, from newborns to young adults up to age 21. The hospital’s emergency department is equipped to handle any pediatric emergency, 24/7, with a team of board-certified pediatric emergency medicine physicians and nurses.
The hospital’s oncology program offers comprehensive care for children with cancer, including advanced treatments such as bone marrow transplantation and immunotherapy. The cardiology department provides expert diagnosis and treatment for congenital heart defects and acquired heart conditions, with a dedicated cardiac intensive care unit.
Children’s Hospital also offers specialized clinics and programs for children with complex medical needs, such as the Autism Center, which provides multidisciplinary evaluations and interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders. The pediatric neurology program offers expert care for children with neurological conditions, including epilepsy, neuromuscular disorders, and brain tumors.
The hospital’s commitment to advancing pediatric care is evident in its robust research program, which includes clinical trials and translational research aimed at developing new treatments and improving patient outcomes.
State-of-the-Art Facilities
Children’s Hospital of New Orleans has invested in state-of-the-art facilities and technology to provide the best possible care for its patients. The hospital’s patient rooms are designed with comfort and safety in mind, with amenities such as pull-out beds for parents and interactive entertainment systems.
The hospital’s surgical suites are equipped with the latest technology, including robotic surgery systems and intraoperative imaging. The diagnostic imaging department offers a full range of services, including MRI, CT, and ultrasound, with sedation available for children who need it.
Recent upgrades to the hospital’s infrastructure include a new 230,000-square-foot expansion that added a 57,000-square-foot surgery center and a 35,000-square-foot cardiac intensive care unit. The expansion also included a new front entrance and concourse, designed to improve circulation and bring in natural light.
Expert Medical Team
Children’s Hospital of New Orleans is home to a team of highly skilled and dedicated medical professionals who are passionate about providing the best possible care for children. The hospital’s physicians are board-certified in their specialties and have extensive experience in pediatric medicine.
The hospital’s nursing staff is specially trained in pediatric care and includes certified pediatric nurses and nurse practitioners. The hospital also employs a team of child life specialists who help children and families cope with the stress and anxiety of hospitalization through play, education, and support.
Children’s Hospital is committed to ongoing staff training and education to ensure that its medical team stays up-to-date with the latest advances in pediatric medicine. The hospital collaborates with international pediatric experts to improve treatment protocols and outcomes for its patients.
Patient and Family Support Services
Children’s Hospital of New Orleans recognizes that a child’s illness affects the entire family and offers a range of support services to help patients and families cope with the challenges of hospitalization. The hospital’s social work department provides counseling, financial assistance, and referrals to community resources.
The hospital’s family housing program offers free accommodations for families who live outside of New Orleans and have a child receiving ongoing care at the hospital. The Hogs for the Cause Family Center and Ronald McDonald House provide a comfortable home away from home for these families.
The hospital also offers programs designed to ease the emotional burden on families, such as play therapy and family therapy sessions. The child life department organizes activities and events to help children maintain a sense of normalcy during their hospital stay.
Educational and Community Outreach
Children’s Hospital of New Orleans is committed to promoting health and wellness in the community through educational programs and outreach initiatives. The hospital offers a variety of classes and workshops for parents and caregivers, including first aid for children, car seat safety, and nutrition education.
The hospital participates in community health fairs and school programs to promote preventive care and healthy lifestyles among children. The hospital also collaborates with local organizations to support patient families and address social determinants of health.
Children’s Hospital partners with educational institutions to provide training and research opportunities in pediatric medicine. The hospital serves as a teaching hospital for medical students and residents from Tulane University and Louisiana State University.
Awards and Recognitions
Children’s Hospital of New Orleans has received numerous awards and recognitions for its outstanding patient care and innovative programs. In 2021, the hospital was named a Top Children’s Hospital by The Leapfrog Group, a national nonprofit organization that evaluates hospital safety and quality.
The hospital has also been recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top performer in several pediatric specialties, including cardiology and heart surgery, gastroenterology and GI surgery, and neurology and neurosurgery.
These awards and recognitions are a testament to the hospital’s commitment to providing the highest quality care for children and families. They also serve to boost staff morale and reinforce the community’s trust in the hospital.
Future Directions and Innovations
Children’s Hospital of New Orleans is constantly evolving to meet the changing needs of its patients and the community. The hospital has several upcoming projects and expansions in the works, including a new behavioral health center that will provide comprehensive mental health services for children and adolescents.
The hospital is also investing in new medical technologies and treatments to improve patient outcomes and quality of life. For example, the hospital recently acquired a state-of-the-art 3D printing system that allows surgeons to create patient-specific models for surgical planning and education.
Looking to the future, Children’s Hospital of New Orleans is committed to expanding its reach and impact within and beyond the New Orleans community. The hospital is exploring new partnerships and collaborations to enhance patient care and support families in need.
With its unwavering dedication to pediatric healthcare, Children’s Hospital of New Orleans will continue to be a beacon of hope and healing for children and families for generations to come.
