Children’s Health Unit Specialized Hospital Care Close to Home
At first, Crystal Mohler figured her 9-week-old son Carmine’s persistent fussiness was just a little normal teething discomfort.
But he was constantly tired. He refused to eat. His temperature climbed to 103 degrees. Crystal wasn’t taking chances with Carmine’s health, and brought him to Lancaster General Hospital’s Emergency Department (ED). Her swift action saved Carmine’s life.
Critical care for children
The ED team examined Carmine immediately. Signs pointed to a potentially life-threatening case of bacterial meningitis, an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal chord.
Carmine was taken to the Lancaster General Hospital Children’s Health Unit, a floor focused on treating children as young as Carmine through age 17.
Crystal said the care her son received, as well as the team’s concern for her comfort and well-being, helped her get through a parent’s worst nightmare.
The Lancaster mother of three also appreciated the staff’s clear and honest answers to her questions.
“When the doctor said he would have sent Carmine to another hospital if necessary, it made me feel comfortable that my son’s best interests were being met at Lancaster General,” Crystal says. Fortunately, Carmine’s ailment was caught early enough to be treated at his hometown hospital, near family and friends.
“We were very concerned about figuring out what type of meningitis it was,” says Jackie Henegar, RN, Nurse Manager, Children’s Health Unit. “But we also took the time to help Crystal work through her anxieties and provide her with information she needed.”
At first, Carmine’s body was so sore that Crystal was unable to hold him. After she learned that he needed to lay on his back to stay comfortable, she gave him a small stuffed elephant from Gifts in General to hold.
“He hugged that elephant quite a lot during his stay at the hospital,” Crystal says.
Crystal rarely left Carmine’s bedside, perhaps an hour a day for a meal, and only with the staff’s encouragement.
A few days after Carmine’s condition was identified and treated with antibiotics, his fever subsided, he started eating again—and his active personality returned.
Comfort for parents, too
The Children’s Health Unit provides 19 beds, including 13 single rooms. Cots are available for parents to stay in their child’s room.
“We try to include the family in the care of the child as much as we possibly can,” Jackie says. “Parents know their children better than we do. They can point out when something isn’t right.”
Crystal’s family, friends and co-workers came to support her and Carmine. She also had the support of the round-the-clock medical staff and the assistance of hospital volunteers.
Fifteen days after arriving at the hospital, Carmine was healthy enough to return home. Today he’s his normal energetic self, though Crystal keeps careful watch, since he’s at a higher risk of getting sick again. Fortunately, she knows exactly what signs to look for.
One thing that’s still never far away— Carmine’s cuddly stuffed elephant that comforted him through his difficult days.
A place for kids to heal
Whether it’s a bone fracture, a surgical procedure, a respiratory illness or outpatient procedure, the Children’s Health Unit provides care specifically designed for the needs of children and young adults.
The experienced nursing staff is trained for age-appropriate care and has an average of 10 years of pediatric care experience in the Children’s Health Unit.
“It’s a wonderful team,” Jackie says. “They’re always willing to step in and do what needs to be done.”
They provide a comfortable place for kids to recover, with toys, books, games and more than 400 videos for all ages. Most items are donated from the community to the Children’s Health Unit.