Members of the Westerly Hospital Emergency Department gathered recently for a photo celebrating the team’s recent “Pediatric Innovator” award.
Westerly Hospital has been recognized by the Rhode Island EMS for Children (EMSC) program with its highest honor: the Pediatric Innovator designation.
This prestigious status identifies Westerly Hospital as “Always Ready for Children” and highlights its exceptional preparedness, capability and commitment to caring for pediatric patients in emergency situations.
Westerly Hospital achieved a near perfect score of 98 on the rigorous Assessment of Readiness to Care (ARC) program. Designation criteria include:
- Comprehensive emergency care for patients under age 18
- Designated pediatric emergency care coordinators
- Established, clearly defined care pathways for children presenting to the ED
- Ongoing commitment to providing pediatric education and quality assurance feedback to both staff and EMS agencies that transport patients to the hospital
According to the National Pediatric Readiness Project, emergency departments that maintain strong pediatric readiness – including access to child-sized equipment and supplies, staff trained in pediatric emergencies and established clinical protocols – demonstrate significantly improved outcomes.
“The Pediatric Innovator designation reflects the extraordinary skill, training and dedication of our Emergency Department team,” said Nader Bahadory, DO, director of Emergency Medicine, Westerly Hospital. “We are thrilled to be recognized for our expertise in caring for children when they’re most vulnerable. Our clinical and support staff are highly trained and credentialed to care for children of all ages.”
Bethany Gingerella, RN, ED nurse manager, said the team sees about 4,500 pediatric cases each year. She noted that team members have conducted numerous simulation trainings to enhance pediatric readiness, follow YNHHS Care Signature Pathways for pediatrics, and use tools such as a pediatric head injury algorithm that helps reduce diagnostic scans, sparing children from unnecessary radiation.
“The team has really worked hard, and they’ve risen to every occasion – and then asked for even more education,” Gingerella said. “It’s wonderful to have such an engaged group devoted to this important aspect of care.”
Children make up over 30 million emergency department visits each year, representing 20 percent of all ED visits in the United States. Yet national analyses show that approximately 80 percent of U.S. emergency departments are not fully prepared to treat pediatric emergencies, leading to delayed diagnosis, inappropriate treatment or preventable harm – including an estimated 1,400 pediatric deaths annually.
Programs like Rhode Island’s EMSC initiative aim to change that, by strengthening the integration of pediatric needs within local Emergency Medical Services; encouraging participation in national pediatric readiness assessments; and supporting ongoing education for EMTs, paramedics, school nurses and emergency department staff.
“Achieving Pediatric Innovator status is a testament to Westerly Hospital’s unwavering commitment to high-quality pediatric emergency care,” said Katelin Ferreira, EMS for Children, program manager. “Hospitals like Westerly set the standard for what it means to be prepared for every child, every time.”
Westerly Hospital collaborates with the Rhode Island EMSC program and partner hospitals to share insights, elevate best practices and advance pediatric emergency readiness across the region.
