Memorial Hermann Katy Opens New 24/7 Pediatric Emergency Center and Inpatient Care Unit

Memorial Hermann Katy Opens New 24/7 Pediatric Emergency Center and Inpatient Care Unit Main Photo

7 Feb 2019


Release provided by Memorial Hermann Katy

KATY – Memorial Hermann Katy Hospital’s new Pediatric Emergency Center is now open to receive patients 24 hours a day, seven days a week. The emergency center complements the hospital’s new dedicated pediatric inpatient unit and helps meet the need for specialized, round-the-clock pediatric emergency care in Katy and the greater west Houston area.

“As Katy continues to grow, it needs more access points for round-the-clock care available for all ages closer to home,” said Heath Rushing, Senior Vice President and CEO of Memorial Hermann Katy and Memorial Hermann Cypress Hospital. “Emergency medical situations occur at every hour of the day and how those are addressed can differ between adults and children. We are able to provide emergency care for all ages at all hours.”

Adult and pediatric services at Children’s Memorial Hermann Hospital and Red Duke Trauma Institute at Memorial Hermann-Texas Medical Center’s Level I trauma center can be accessed through all Memorial Hermann emergency departments and hospitals if a higher level of care is needed.

The differences in pediatric and adult emergency centers range from size and scope of equipment to the expertise of physicians, nurses and staff who are specially trained to administer care and relate to patients and parents.

“The goal of emergency care is the same regardless of age, but the physiology of adults and children are different,” said Linda Stephens, Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer at Memorial Hermann Katy. “Having physicians and nurses specially trained to treat a patient with those physiological differences increases the likelihood of a child receiving the most appropriate level of care in the most efficient manner possible.”

Typical reasons requiring pediatric emergency medical care may include:

  • Trouble breathing
  • A bone fracture
  • Loss of consciousness
  • Uncontrollable bleeding
  • Severe burns

In some instances, high fevers, allergic reactions, ingested objects, severe prolonged headaches, coughing, and vomiting and diarrhea may require emergency care, but typically can be addressed by an urgent care or pediatrician.

Pediatric primary care is available on the Memorial Hermann Katy campus through Memorial Hermann Medical Group and Blue Fish Pediatrics Katy, and in the surrounding area through Memorial Hermann Convenient Care Center in Katy and Memorial Hermann Medical Group Firethorne.

To learn more about services at Memorial Hermann Katy, call 713-222-CARE (2273). To locate a physician near you and conveniently schedule an appointment online, go to http://www.memorialhermann.org/schedulenow/.