The Pediatric Emergency Center at Atrium Health Levine Children’s Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital provides 24-hour care for children presenting with illness or injury. We are the major provider of specialized care for children who are seriously injured or ill. Children are defined as less than 18 years of age, although a medical screening examination is provided to any individual who presents for care.
The Pediatric Emergency Center serves as a primary referral center for Bibb County and surrounding communities. The Pediatric Emergency Center is staffed with pediatricians, pediatric specialists, and trained pediatric staff to take care of your child in an emergency.
Please dial 911 immediately in case of an emergency.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
This tool does not provide medical advice It is intended for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Never ignore professional medical advice in seeking treatment because of something you have read on the Symptom Checker. If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your doctor or dial 911.
Attending Physicians are physicians who are functioning as a supervisor in the care of many pediatric patients.
Child Life Specialists are professionals who work with patients and families to help them cope with the challenges of hospitalization and illness. They provide patients with age-appropriate preparation for medical procedures.
Clinical Techs (CT) are individuals qualified by academic education and clinical experience or other training to provide patient care services by assisting the registered nurse. Their duties include activities such as taking vital signs of patients, transporting patients, stocking of supplies, and sitting with patients one on one as needed.
Nurse Practitioners (NP or CRNP) are registered professional nurses with advanced education and training in the care of patients. Nurse Practitioners function as providers like a physician.
Patients Account Specialists enter, update and verify all data necessary for the patient, and third-party payers. They collect demographic and insurance information, obtain signatures for required registration forms, and collect patient co-pays.
Registered Nurses (RNs) work to promote health, prevent disease, and help pediatric patient’s cope with illness. When providing patient care, they may ask questions; perform an assessment, record and report symptoms, reactions, and progress. They also perform treatments such as starting IVs and administering medications.
Registered Respiratory Therapists (RT) specialize in patient’s breathing. They are under doctor’s supervision to treat a patient’s breathing problem. They treat the problem with oxygen, medication or a combination of both remedies.
Residents are physicians who have obtained their M.D. degree from an accredited medical school. They have chosen to specialize in Pediatrics, therefore they rotate throughout the entire hospital as part of their continued education and often will be the first physician to evaluate your child’s medical illness.
Arrival
When you arrive at the Emergency Center, you will register at the pediatric registration desk and will be directed to the pediatric reception area.
- You will be greeted and escorted to the first available pediatric exam room. If a room is not immediately available, your child will be triaged and treatment will begin in the reception area.
- Next, a staff member will take your child’s vital signs and weight.
- A nurse may give your child medications for fever or pain at this time.
- Also you may be asked to give your child something to drink or you may be asked not to give your child anything to eat or drink depending on your child’s symptoms.
- If you need an interpreter, please tell the triage nurse.
- If your child has a severe medical problem, the doctors and nurses will provide the attention and care that is needed right away.
- Children with the most severe illnesses and injuries are seen first.
- It is possible that if your child has a minor injury or illness, there may be a waiting period.
- Even if the reception area is empty, there may not be available examination rooms or the doctors and nurses may be caring for a critically ill child.
Registration
- A “quick” registration takes place when you first get to the ED. This allows tests and treatment to begin without delay. Consent forms are signed at the time of Quick Registration.
- Complete registration occurs during the care process, for example while waiting for test results or waiting to be seen by the practitioner or physician.
- We will get personal and insurance information during the complete registration process.
- Copayments are collected in the treatment room, after you have been seen by the doctor.
- We will be able to answer most of your questions about insurance or billing. Financial counselors can help if needed.
- During registration, you will be given a paper copy of the Patient/Parent Bill of Rights. This tells you what you should expect during your stay at Navicent Health regarding your rights and responsibilities.
Treatment room
- One or more Emergency Department doctors, nurse practitioners and nurses may treat your child.
- A primary doctor or nurse practitioner and nurse will be assigned to your child’s care.
- Once inside the room, please remove your child’s clothing and dress your child in the gown provided.
- Due to the small space, only two family members are allowed in the room at any one time along with the patient.
Additional tests
The doctor may order tests for your child. X-rays and lab work are the most common. A staff member will explain other tests that may be needed.
X-rays
- You may go to the x-ray room with your child.
- If you think you may be pregnant, you will wait just outside the x-ray room.
- Results usually take about 90 minutes depending on the x-ray test ordered.
Lab work
- If your child needs blood taken for lab work, you may stay to comfort him or her.
- An hour or longer may be needed to get the test results back. A doctor will talk with you about the results.
- Do not give your child anything to eat or drink until a nurse or physician have told you it is alright for him or her to eat and drink.
The Pediatric Transport team partners with hospitals within the state to transport critically ill or injured infants and children to Atrium Health Levine Children’s Beverly Knight Olson Children’s Hospital. We utilize specialized transport vehicles designed to accommodate the equipment needs of critically ill or injured infants and children. The PICU Transport Team includes a Pediatric ICU nurse, Pediatric Respiratory Therapist, Emergency Medical Technician and Pediatric Intensivist.
For more information or to contact our Pediatric Transport Team, please call 478-633-5454.
Contact Information
PICU for Transport: 478-633-1560
Fax: 478-633-1543
Address
Pediatric Emergency Center, Navicent Health
770 Pine Street
Macon, GA 31201
Contact Information
Office: 478-633-1146
