Baystate opening new emergency department for children

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) - Baystate Medical Center is getting ready to open a new emergency department dedicated solely to the care of children.

22News got a first look at the new department during a tour on Thursday morning.

The new facility is part of an ongoing series of improvements at the Springfield hospital, which is the area’s largest. Other recent additions have included the Davis Family Heart and Vascular Center, and the expanded adult emergency department.

The addition, which is officially named the Sadowsky Family Pediatric Emergency Department at Baystate Children’s Hospital, will be staffed by pediatric specialists in emergency medicine. It features brightly-colored, playful decor intended to make kids feel comforted and safe, even in difficult circumstances.

"It's been specifically designed for kids.  You can see the light patterns in the ceiling to be able to distract kids from their pain when they're distressed.  We've got new characters that we're rolling out to relate to them and help them understand that we're here for them," said Dr. Lindsey Grossman of Baystate Pediatrics.

Children and families waiting for care will be able to do so in a designated area, separate from the adult waiting area.

The new children's emergency department is scheduled to open on December 3.