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Northwest Medical Center.

By: Jen Russon

The emergency room at Northwest Medical Center is one of the closest immediate care facilities for people living in the surrounding areas, including Margate, Coconut Creek, Coral Springs, Parkland and Boca Raton.

Northwest Medical Center Gets Dedicated State-of-the-Art Pediatric ER

Pediatric ER Patient Room at Northwest Medical Center.

Now, with their new expanded and dedicated pediatric ER, Northwest Medical is welcoming its youngest patients into a state-of-the-art facility.

As part of their $75 million expansion project, the separate treatment area for children is staffed with pediatric specialists who are equipped to deal with any emergency.

Pediatric Nurse Caren Bock gave a glowing review of the ER after her granddaughter, Sophie, was recently hurt in a fishing accident.

“When she told me she had a hook caught in her leg, I told her to go to NW Medical Center right away. I know how something so small could turn into something much bigger, if not cared for properly,” said Bock.

Bock described how her granddaughter was expertly and compassionately cared for, from admittance to discharge, making her even more likely to recommend it to families in the area.

The dedicated pediatric ER boasts 12 new beds with an under the sea theme to helps kids feel at ease. Over the years, Northwest has ensured pediatricians are onsite 24/7, and they still are. Their fast-track program clocks less than 20 minutes between patient arrival time and evaluation by a qualified medical professional. These are just some of the perks that set Northwest apart.

There are comforts at every turn in the nautical theme ER – from smaller blood pressure cuffs and nebulizer masks – to toys, movies, snacks, and other kid-friendly perks. But reasons to crow go beyond the cosmetic.

Northwest’s pediatric healthcare team is specially trained in pediatrics and backed by a highly-skilled team of subspecialists, who not only address and soothe a child’s concerns, but also the parent’s.

Sophie Bock

They know when testing or antibiotics are needed and are thoroughly trained in the symptoms to look for in diagnosing certain conditions in children.

Laura Kaszer, emergency department director, said the expansion that also revamped the maternity unit and Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) has helped distinguish Northwest Medical Center as one of the best hospitals in Broward County.

“The expansion helps to decongest our ERs, adding additional beds and less wait time, while allowing our staff and physicians to care for our patients faster,” said Kaszer.

She added having a dedicated pediatric ER – where children in need of medical attention are kept separate from adults seeking care – provides a more calming space and allows privacy for families.

Kaszer walked past fully equipped rooms, spacious waiting areas, a play area for children, and complimentary Wi-Fi, USB charging stations for anyone with cellphones or tablets.

She said the ER is typically quiet until the school day gets well underway, and parents start bringing their kids in, emphasizing families are always greeted with an expert assessment in triage so that patients are paired with a specialist who can meet their unique healthcare needs.

Pediatric ER Nurse’s Station at Northwest Medical Center.

Those needs can fall under a big umbrella, yet are easily accommodated at the ER, Kaszer said.

Northwest Pediatrics offers inpatient and outpatient surgeries, cardiology, radiology, ENT, gastroenterology, infectious disease, orthopedics, outpatient endocrine testing, rehabilitation – even plastic surgery services.

In addition, the medical center is also a trusted health resource for expectant parents and families with newborns; the facility is the only Level III NICU in Northern Broward county.

But there are other reasons to get excited about checking out the hospital’s new look.

Kaszer said the hospital is expecting a visit from Santa Claus on Saturday, December 7, from 10 a.m. to noon. The meet and greet features photos with old Saint Nick and Mrs. Claus, cookie decorating, arts and crafts, candy canes, and of course, hot cocoa.

RSVP’s are required and can be done online at NorthwestMed.com/calendar. All families are welcome. For more information on their pediatric services or for a physician referral, call 954-601-8094. Northwest Medical Center is located at 2801 N State Road 7.