Emergency pediatric space opens at Calgary's South Health Campus

Calgary's South Health Campus has opened a new emergency care space for children, with murals and a private waiting space to make the hospital setting less intimidating for young patients and their families.

The $3.9-million pediatric pod was funded by anonymous donations to the Calgary Health Trust, said Alberta Health Services (AHS) in a release.

It has nine beds and specialized equipment to care for infants and small children.

Lori Anderson, South Health Campus senior operating officer, says the opening of the new emergency space is a big deal.

"To have dedicated space that is for our smallest patients, and often our most vulnerable patients, a space that's purpose built, it's friendly, there's lots of distractions to look at it's wonderful," she said.

Anderson said they worked closely with the Alberta Children's Hospital in designing the new facility as well as looking at best practices around the country and internationally.

"As a pediatrician, I know this will be a comforting space where children and parents can come for care without being exposed to the environment of an adult emergency room, which can face many difficult and challenging situations," said Dr.VernaYiu, AHS president.

The South Health Campus handled more than 14,000 pediatric visits last year, mostly from south Calgary communities, Okotoks, High River,Strathmoreand other surrounding towns.

The South Health Campus is 40 kilometresaway from Alberta Children's Hospital, which is in the city's northwest.

The facilitywill be available from 1 p.m. to 1 a.m. every day of the week.