Stanford Pediatric Emergency Department Expansion: A Strategic Response to Escalating Needs

Stanford’s Pediatric Emergency Department (ED) has recently completed the final phase of development, growing capacity from 18 to 25 beds. The increase not only positions the department as a regional leader in pediatric emergency care but also reflects a strategic response to the increasing demand for specialized pediatric services. Over the past two years, pediatric patient volume grew nearly 25%.

The new "annex" extends beyond mere capacity enhancement, integrating state-of-the-art features as well as a range of functional improvements, including dedicated telehealth space and increased resuscitation spaces.

The doubling of resuscitation spaces from three to seven, significantly improves the department’s ability to handle high-acuity pediatric cases. "Our capacity to manage critically ill and injured children simultaneously has been substantially enhanced," explains Dr. Deborah Hsu, noting the direct impact on response times and care coordination for severe emergencies.

Hsu, who came to Stanford as inaugural chief of the Division of Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Stanford University’s Department of Emergency Medicine in 2023, adds, “Previously, we used one of our vertical care spaces for telehealth, limiting its use for in-person patient care. Now, with a dedicated, quiet telehealth room, we can expand our telemedicine offerings without compromising the care of patients physically present in the ED.”

Designed to Foster Collaboration and Nurture Families

For patients and their families, the dedicated pediatric space brings a new level of comfort during stressful emergency visits. “The space is more aesthetically pleasing, more patient-friendly, and allows our team to work more efficiently, all while maintaining the exceptional standard of care that Stanford is renowned for,” Dr. Hsu adds.

Sam Snell, director of pediatric emergency services and a pivotal leader in the expansion project, reflects on the long-term vision realized through this latest development: “In 2018, we set out to create an independent pediatric emergency department. In just six years, we’ve grown to a 25-bed facility.”

Dr. Hsu and Snell agree that the expansion represents more than just increased capacity. The new integrated department fosters improved collaboration among staff, expedites patient throughput, and enhances the overall care experience for families. “We now have a complete pediatric emergency department in one cohesive footprint,” Snell affirms, emphasizing the enhanced operational efficiency and patient experience.

Preparing for Future Growth

The expansion is not just about meeting current demands but preparing for the future. “Our volume growth has continued to increase, and it’s much quicker than what other pediatric emergency departments are seeing nationally,” notes Snell. “Stanford Medicine has mobilized resources quickly and efficiently to meet this need.”

Several factors have contributed to the increased patient load, including the closure of nearby pediatric care facilities and the lingering impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on healthcare accessibility. "We have seen a reduction in the availability of other pediatric care options in the area, positioning Stanford’s ED as a vital resource for families seeking specialized pediatric emergency services," Dr. Hsu notes.

As Stanford’s Pediatric ED continues to evolve, the recent expansion serves as both a response to current demands and a forward-looking strategy to meet the future needs of the growing community it serves.

Fall 2024