We are one of the few hospitals in Massachusetts to offer 24-hour pediatric emergency services.
Triage
The first person to assess your child is the triage nurse, who screens all patients to determine the seriousness of their conditions and what further assessment is needed. The triage nurse will ask you why you brought your child to the Emergency Department (symptoms, accident, etc.), and for important information about your child’s past medical history, including medications, allergies and immunizations. Your child’s temperature, heart rate, blood pressure, and weight will also be taken at this time.
Depending on symptoms, your child may be given medication for fever or pain during the triage stage and, if necessary, X-rays may be ordered. Once X-rays are taken, you may return to the waiting area if an exam room is not available.Your child may not be permitted to eat or drink until he or she is seen by the doctor. Please check with the triage nurse before feeding anything to your child.
Registration After the triage nurse has evaluated your child, you will need to register your child as an Emergency Department patient. The registration clerk will need to know your child’s name, address, health insurance and pediatrician. The Emergency Department treats all patients, regardless of insurance or ability to pay for treatment.
Waiting times One of the most stressful parts of the Emergency Department visit for children and their families can be waiting for a physician or treatment. Because many pediatricians’ offices are closed on weekends, evenings and holidays, there are more patients in the Emergency Department at these times. We will do all we can to see your child promptly and appreciate your patience.Depending on the nature and severity of the problem, a child may be taken ahead of others who have been waiting longer. Waiting times can increase when trauma patients or seriously ill patients arrive unexpectedly. If you think your child’s condition has become worse while you are waiting, please ask the triage nurse to look at your child again.
While you are waiting Books, toys, paper and crayons are available in the waiting room. We also encourage patients and their families to participate in “Art While You Wait” projects with volunteer artists, who are available Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5:30 to 9 p.m. These projects help keep children calm and alleviate anxiety while waiting. In addition, we have a
child life specialist available during peak hours to help explain treatments to children and to ease fears of both children and parents.
Read more about NSMC
Emergency Departments
