Pediatric Emergency Medicine at Cape Fear Valley Health

CFVH’s Children's Emergency Department prioritizes your child's well-being and comfort.

The department is designed with children in mind. Colorful animal tracks lead to private rooms, each with a soothing mural and a TV showing popular children's programs. Paw prints on the ceiling tiles and friendly privacy curtains create a welcoming atmosphere.

Our team of pediatric emergency physicians has specialized training in pediatric care and experience handling a range of childhood emergencies. This expertise helps reduce pain and distress for your child. Our doctors attempt to perform fewer stressful tests while focusing on family-centered care.

The nurses in our Children's Emergency Department are also specially trained. They understand the unique needs of children and their families and aim to provide compassionate, efficient care. Together, our doctors and nurses work to ensure your child receives the best possible treatment.

We believe in a team approach to care. Our pediatric specialists collaborate with other departments in the hospital, ensuring comprehensive care for any situation. From minor injuries to serious illnesses, we are prepared to help.

Our priority is to make your child's emergency visit as stress-free as possible. Your family's comfort and peace of mind are important to us.

When should I bring my child to the ER?

You should bring your child to the ER if they have any of these symptoms:

  • Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
  • Severe or persistent vomiting or diarrhea
  • High fever, especially if accompanied by a rash or if your child is very young
  • Severe headache or stiff neck
  • Uncontrolled bleeding or a deep cut
  • Seizures or convulsions
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Sudden confusion or unresponsiveness
  • Severe allergic reaction (swelling, difficulty breathing, hives)
  • Any serious injury, like a broken bone or head injury
  • If they’ve swallowed a substance or medicine that wasn’t for them

Deciding whether to take your child to the ER can be challenging. Here are some tips to help you make the best decision:

Trust Your Instincts: If you feel something is seriously wrong, it's better to be safe and seek emergency care.

Contact a Professional: Call your child's pediatrician or a nurse hotline for advice. They can help determine if an ER visit is necessary.

Consider Urgent Care: An urgent care center may be appropriate for less severe issues, such as minor injuries or mild illnesses.

Remember, it's always better to err on the side of caution when it comes to your child's health. If in doubt, seeking emergency care is a good choice.

Our Approach to Pediatric Emergency Medicine

Our approach to pediatric emergency medicine centers on compassion, comfort, and specialized care.

We understand that emergencies can be frightening for children and their families. Our team is dedicated to providing gentle, child-focused treatment that minimizes pain and anxiety. That's why we create a welcoming environment with colorful, soothing decor to help ease stress.

Our pediatric specialists work closely with families, ensuring they feel supported and informed throughout the visit.  We prioritize your child's well-being and strive to make every experience as positive and comforting as possible. Your child's health and comfort are our top priorities.

Why Choose Cape Fear Valley Health for Pediatric Emergency Medicine?

  • Our team of physicians and nurses is trained specifically in pediatric emergency care. This specialized training means they understand the unique medical and emotional needs of children. They are skilled in diagnosing and treating a wide range of childhood emergencies, from minor injuries to severe illnesses.

  • Our Children's Emergency Department is thoughtfully designed to make young patients feel more at ease. Colorful animal tracks guide children to private rooms, each with a soothing mural and a TV showing popular children's programs. We aim to make the environment comfortable for young patients, reduce anxiety, and create a welcoming space for children and families.

  • We take a team approach, collaborating with various specialists within the hospital. This means if your child needs additional care from a specialist, such as a pediatric surgeon or neurologist, they’re available. This approach ensures your child gets comprehensive care for any condition, from minor injuries to serious illnesses.

  • We prioritize your child’s comfort and strive to reduce pain and distress. Our staff uses techniques and strategies, such as smaller needles and distraction methods, to minimize discomfort. Our goal is to make the emergency visit as painless and stress-free as possible.

  • We believe in involving families in the care process. Our team communicates clearly with caregivers, explaining diagnoses, treatment options, and procedures in simple language. We understand that a medical emergency can be overwhelming. That’s why we strive to reassure and guide you every step of the way so you feel confident making informed decisions.