Northwell Health’s Danbury Hospital has been recognized as “Pediatric Ready” through a national assessment, reflecting its ability to provide high-quality, specialized emergency care for infants, children and adolescents.
The Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Emergency Department (ED) at Danbury Hospital participated in the National Pediatric Readiness Project Survey (NPRP). Pediatric Readiness is a nationally recognized benchmark that evaluates how well emergency departments are equipped, trained and prepared to treat children safely and effectively. Measured on a scale of 0 to 100, Danbury Hospital achieved a 96% pediatric readiness score, above the national benchmark of 88%. Studies have shown that children treated in pediatric-ready emergency departments have improved outcomes, including reduced complications and better overall recovery.
“Families can rest assured knowing the entire Danbury Hospital emergency medicine team is fully prepared to care for kids through enhanced training and strong processes,” said William Begg, MD, chair of emergency medicine at Danbury/New Milford Hospital. “This recognition reflects our comprehensive commitment to ensuring young patients receive care tailored to their unique medical and developmental needs.”
To earn this recognition, the Danbury Hospital ED underwent a rigorous review of its processes, staffing and resources. The review concluded that Danbury Hospital has pediatric-specific equipment and supplies, evidence-based clinical protocols, and ongoing pediatric emergency care training for physicians, nurses and staff. The department also demonstrated strong performance in quality improvement efforts and established clear processes for consultation and transfer when levels of pediatric care are needed.
“Pediatric Readiness affirms that our team is prepared every day to deliver the right care, at the right time, for our youngest and most vulnerable patients,” said Erika Setzer, MSN, director of patient care services, emergency department and behavioral health at Danbury Hospital. “Families in the community can have confidence knowing our team can meet the unique needs of pediatric emergencies, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and close to home.”
In addition to clinical preparedness, the Pediatric Readiness designation emphasizes the importance of patient- and family-centered care. The Danbury Hospital ED has taken steps to create a comforting environment for kids, while also engaging and informing families throughout the care experience.
