Mercy hospital Springfield held a blessing ceremony Monday for a new emergency room specialized for kids.
Because of COVID related concerns, the hospital held a private blessing ceremony for the $7.5 million, 6,300 square foot emergency room.
“Seeing adults in crisis or with traumatic injuries can be really frightening for kids,” Dr. Anna Grimes, Mercy Kids emergency physician, said in a statement. “This ER eliminates that, with a separate, child-friendly waiting area, 11 exam rooms and a ‘sensory room’ for children who have autism or anxiety.”
The Mercy Kids in Springfield program has specialists in a number of categories including pediatric neurosurgery, hemathology and oncology, and endocrinology.
“One of the scariest things I’ve experienced as a parent is hearing that my child was in the ER,” Brent Hubbard, president and COO of Mercy Hospitals Springfield Communities, said in a statement. “But with this new space as the welcoming ‘front door’ to the care provided by our outstanding team, kids and families will find comfort in what can feel like a chaotic time. Rest assured that our local Mercy Kids team is ready to care for your children.”
The Mercy Kids ER will open to patients June 8.
