Memorial Healthwatch Winter 2008
World-Class Children’s Hospital
Renowned Physicians and Innovative Technology
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital is a world-class facility where children receive comprehensive pediatric care in a setting specially designed for them. It features the most diverse group of board-certified pediatric specialists in the region, as well as advanced technology to diagnose and treat a wide variety of complex and critical conditions.
This year Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital celebrates its 15th birthday. Over the years it has experienced remarkable growth and, impressively, is one of the nation’s leaders in patient satisfaction — consistently ranking in the top 5 percent nationwide.
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital was one of the first hospitals worldwide to utilize extracorporeal oxygenation (ECMO) for severe heart and lung conditions — and is the only hospital in Broward and Palm Beach Counties to perform pediatric open heart surgery and cardiac catheterization. Its Centers of Excellence for Cardiac, Craniofacial, Oncology, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care and Comprehensive Pediatric Dialysis Program have earned prestigious distinction as designated pediatric centers from the Florida Department of Health, Children’s Medical Services. The Comprehensive Pediatric Dialysis Program offers specialized care for pediatric patients experiencing renal failure and end-stage renal disease. It’s the only program of its kind in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Furthermore, the multi-disciplinary Cystic Fibrosis & Pulmonary Center, a designated center of the National Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, provides some of the latest treatment protocols for cystic fibrosis patients and highly individualized care for a wide range of pulmonary conditions.
Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital offers Level II and Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Units to treat the youngest and tiniest infants, along with a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit with specially trained, board-certified pediatric intensivists. On-site hospitalists are available around the clock.
The hospital is home to one of only 13 Pediatric Trauma Centers in Florida, as well as the busiest Pediatric Emergency Department in Broward and Palm Beach Counties. Its multifaceted emergency Transport Program helps to ensure patients get the care they need as quickly as possible. This includes a dedicated Ground Transport Team, which provides safe medical transfer from area hospitals; an Emergency Helicopter Transport Service, which brings critically ill children from healthcare facilities as far away as Central Florida and the Keys; and last but not least, an Air Transport Team, which uses a special Lear jet to fly patients from locations around the world.
The hospital embraces a Family-Centered Care philosophy that recognizes the important strengths that a family brings to a child’s healthcare experience. Additionally, the Conine Clubhouse, named in honor of former Florida Marlins outfielder Jeff Conine, provides a free-of-charge “home away from home” for families of hospitalized children.
Future plans include the construction of a children’s hospital pavilion that will feature pediatric operating rooms, a Medical/Surgical Unit and an Oncology Unit. Construction on this new pavilion is expected to begin in 2009.
For referral to a physician for your child, please call Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Physician Referral Service toll-free at (866) JDCH-DOC. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.