Hospital Highlights

The Methodist Children's Heart Institute features a multidisciplinary team of board-certified pediatric cardiologists and cardiovascular surgeons dedicated to complex congenital cardiac and thoracic diseases, from prenatal diagnosis through adulthood. Methodist Children's Heart Institute performs a complete range of congenital cardiac surgical procedures including:

• Minimally-invasive septal defect repairs
• Complex single ventricle repairs
• Repair of congenital heart defects for neonatal, pediatric and adult patients
• Treatment of arrhythmia and heart failure
• Mechanical support
• Pediatric thoracic services (chest wall reconstruction, mediastinal operations and broncho-pulmonary surgery)

Methodist Children's Hospital is among the nation's top three providers of blood and marrow stem cell and cord blood transplants for children. The program brings hope to children with leukemia, sickle cell disease and immunodeficiency syndromes such as SCIDS. In addition, Methodist Children's Hospital has an inpatient unit devoted to hematology, oncology and transplant services.

One of the largest newborn ICUs in the region, Methodist Children's Hospital's Level IV NICU features 78 beds over 19,000 square feet. Board-certified neonatologists and nurses specializing in the care of premature babies are on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week to meet the special healthcare needs of the hospital's tiniest patients. We offer the most advanced technology and highest level of neonatal intensive care available, caring for babies who are critically ill, born prematurely or have birth defects. A neonatal team also attends high-risk deliveries at Methodist Hospital's Women's Pavilion.

Methodist Children's Hospital provides a 24-bed pediatric intensive care unit with specially trained pediatric intensive care nurses and board-certified pediatric intensivists on duty 24 hours a day, seven days a week. This care unit provides the highest level of treatment for children following major surgery, recovering from serious injuries or experiencing respiratory distress.

Newborn and pediatric transport teams are available to bring critically ill or injured infants and children to the pediatric ICU and premature infants to the newborn ICU. Services are provided by Methodist AirCare™ and include highly skilled medical crews and transport teams who are available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Methodist Children's Hospital has seven operating suites for pediatric surgeries. The suites feature equipment that is specifically designed for pediatric neurosurgery or pediatric orthopedic procedures. We offer a 17-bed post-surgical unit with nurses specially trained to help children recover from surgery. This unit features a unique outer space theme with each patient room highlighting a different NASA space mission.

The facility's pediatric neurosurgery program offers comprehensive care of newborns, infants, children and adolescents. A child's developing nervous system differs from an adult's and requires special attention to physiology, anatomy and outcomes. Pediatric neurosurgery involves the evaluation and treatment of head and spinal disorders and trauma due to injuries.

Certified child life specialists coordinate activities for children and work to help them understand what is happening to them while in the hospital. These dedicated pediatric experts work to create a safe and fun environment for sick or recovering children, utilizing distraction methods like art and play time.

For pediatric radiology services, a pediatric anesthesiologist is on call to provide sedation to children undergoing imaging services such as MRIs that can often be frightening to a child. Administering an anesthetic allows for the test to be performed more quickly and can be more comforting for both the child and their family.

If your child is experiencing a life-threatening emergency you should always call 911. For less urgent conditions or if you are not sure whether you need to take your child to their pediatrician, call-a-nurse for children provides after hours assistance by specially trained pediatric nurses. By calling 22-NURSE (226-8773), you can talk to a nurse about any concerns you have about your child's health and well-being. This free service is available from 5:00pm - 8:00am, Monday through Friday and around the clock on weekends and major holidays.

Well Waldo's Wheels is a free transportation service for children whose families need help getting to doctors' appointments at Methodist Healthcare medical office buildings or with physicians who practice at Methodist Children's Hospital. Parents are urged to call 48 hours in advance to ensure availability. Well Waldo's Wheels serves those living in the following ZIP codes: 78202, 78203, 78204, 78205, 78206, 78207, 78208, 78210, 78212, 78215, 78225, 78226, 78237 and portions of 78201, 78211, 78214, 78219, 78220, 78221, 78223, 78224, 78228 and 78241.

Located on the fourth floor of Methodist Children's Hospital, the family resource center features three computer terminals with high-speed internet access so parents can check email and update family and friends on their child's condition. Children and adolescents may utilize the center with adult supervision.

Methodist Children's Hospital provides children access to multiple doctors, rehabilitation, respiratory therapists, dietitians and case managers through its pediatric outpatient clinic. Our multidisciplinary approach helps families plan for their child's treatment and provides vital follow up care. Specialty clinics include care for children with asthma, brachial plexus injuries, craniofacial/congenital anomalies such as cleft palate, neurodevelopment challenges, respiratory disorders, spina bifida and spasticity disorders.

Kids' Express offers pediatric outpatient services in a child-friendly environment. Services include lab work, imaging, breathing treatments and IV medicines and fluids. No appointments necessary.

This specially designed suite is used exclusively for end-of-life care for a terminally ill child and their family. This beautifully decorated suite allows families the opportunity to gather in a peaceful environment to say goodbye. A palliative care team includes chaplains, child life specialists, social workers and other staff members help families through this time of intense grief.