Acute/Public Health partnership benefits children

A closer working partnership between Richmond Hospital and Richmond Public Health ensures that children receive the best care possible when they arrive at the ED for treatment.

A referral to a Public Health Nurse (PHN) began in Short Stay Pediatrics when the unit opened earlier this year. This referral process has recently expanded into the ED, to capture children who are treated in the ED and released, bypassing SSP admission altogether.

“Nursing staff at the SSP are feeling reassured, knowing children with issues, other than the acute issue that took them to hospital,  are receiving the support and referrals they need to promote healthy outcomes by Public Health Nurses,” said Heather Campbell, PHN, Community and Family Health.

More referrals than ever before

During the past month alone, 33 infants and children have been referred to Public Health.

Also new, and resulting from this collaboration, is the ability to admit infants to the SSP immediately after discharge from the Birth Centre, ensuring timely access to universal screenings, such as hearing screening.

“This is outstanding work and I send kudos for the skills our nurses have truly demonstrated , working in collaboration, to ensure children in Richmond receive the best care possible,” said Chris Salgado, manager, Community and Family Health. “Thank you to all involved for modeling the VCH value of providing the best care.”

Read more about Short Stay Pediatrics at Richmond Hospital:

Meet Joy, our Short Stay Pediatric Unit’s first in-patient