There are many reasons children might need hospital care, but there is only one hospital in northwest Broward County that provides comprehensive care for newborns, children and adolescents: Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital at Broward Health Coral Springs.
With physicians, nurses and therapists who specialize in working with children, the hospital offers a full spectrum of services, including a dedicated pediatric Emergency Department, west Broward’s only pediatric intensive care unit (PICU), and more.
“Our goal is to provide quality care in a family-friendly environment to help kids in our community to be healthy and happy,” said Sabra Henry, RN, Regional Director of Women & Children’s Services at Broward Health Coral Springs.
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU)
The hospital’s youngest patients are its NICU babies, cared for by teams consisting of neonatologists, registered nurse practitioners, registered nurses, respiratory therapists, social workers, lactation specialists and patient care associates. These medical professionals understand the challenges and emotions experienced by NICU families and strive to provide compassionate, family-centered care.
When Kia Joseph delivered her third baby at Broward Health Coral Springs, she never imagined her daughter would need NICU care.
“It was unexpected, and I was very emotional at first,” Joseph said. “But the NICU nurses were amazing, and Dr. (Eduardo) Otero and Dr. (Andres) Rodriguez were so kind and patient, walking me and my husband through every step of the process.”
Pediatric Emergency Department
While the hospital’s 10-room pediatric Emergency Department is just for kids, it’s located within the hospital’s adult Emergency Department, allowing the pediatric team to flex and expand the space they use if necessary.
All pediatric emergency physicians are trained in pediatric care, and, like the nurses and other caregivers, they are experienced in treating and interacting with children in ways that make them comfortable and less afraid.
Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) and Pediatric Inpatient Unit
Critically ill children are admitted to the hospital’s five-bed inpatient PICU when they need intensive care and monitoring while recovering from surgery, illness or injury.
For other children requiring a hospital stay, the 21-bed pediatric inpatient unit provides a peaceful place to recuperate with colorful murals and kid-friendly rooms.
Pediatric Rehabilitation Services
Medical needs don’t always end once a child is discharged. Broward Health Coral Springs offers pediatric physical, occupational and speech therapy for those who need additional help navigating the road to recovery.
This has been key to six-year-old Kai Bradley’s recovery from surgery removing a noncancerous mass in his brain. Over the past few months, physical therapy helped him get back on his feet walking again, while occupational therapy helped with memory, hand strength and upper-body strength.
Bradley’s parents are overjoyed to see their son’s recovery.
“He is almost 100% back to his 6-year-old self, and we are so happy to see that,” said Kai’s mother, Maribel Cruz.
Childhood ailments and injuries are a part of life. When your child is sick or hurt, the pediatric caregivers at Salah Foundation Children’s Hospital at Broward Health Coral Springs are ready to provide the best possible care to your child and family.
For more information on pediatric and other services provided at Broward Health Coral Springs, visit www.BrowardHealth.org/BHCS.
Pictured above, from left to right: From Broward Health Coral Springs, Susan Pomerantz, MS-CCC-SLP, Rehab Manager; Sissy Stephen, RN, Nurse Manager NICU; Dario Sankar, RN, Regional Manager, Emergency Services; and Tamara Souza, RN, Nurse Manager Pediatrics/PICU. Cover photo also includes Sabra Henry, RN, MS, MSN, Regional Director of Women & Children’s Services.
