A good school district isn’t the only thing parents take into consideration when they choose a neighborhood for raising their kids. Every mom and dad wants to know that top-notch medical care is only minutes away. Well, they can rest assured. Washington University Physicians and St. Louis Children’s Hospital are bringing their nationally recognized expertise to West County. St. Louis Children’s Specialty Care Center (CSCC), conveniently located at Highway 40/I-64 and Mason Road, opens June 2.
“The mission of Children’s Hospital always has been to do what’s right for children, and CSCC is an extension of that philosophy,” says site director Julie Bruns. The new outpatient facility is focused on delivering outstanding, efficient, client-centered care for young patients and their families.
The center provides a full range of pediatric subspecialties and outpatient services for kids and teens, including cardiology, neurology, hematology/oncology, and orthopedics/sports medicine. “With all the advances in non-invasive procedures and minimally invasive surgery, much more is being done on an outpatient basis these days,” Bruns explains. “So we knew the time was right to expand our footprint a bit.”
Dr. Daniel Nieva, a pediatric anesthesiologist, and Dr. David Leonard, a pediatric otolaryngologist, are co-medical directors of the center’s perioperative and surgical services. Dr. Robert Rothbaum, a pediatric gastroenterologist, provides medical direction for the department of pediatrics. And Kelley Mullen, senior director of clinical operations for Washington University’s faculty practice plan, is responsible for Washington University School of Medicine’s outpatient practices.
The hospital can be a scary place for kids—and intimidating for nervous parents. “That’s why we’ve created a comfortable space for children and families that supports their physical, social and emotional needs,” Bruns says. “They’ll be surrounded by an uplifting, soothing environment that reduces stress, promotes healing and provides the best possible patient experience.” The three-story, 141,000-square-foot structure features a lounge and playroom with books, DVDs and interactive games to keep kids occupied while waiting. Bright colors and playful artwork are everywhere. “And thanks to the generosity of our donors, we have a replica of the same train that circles the walkway at Children’s Hospital,” Bruns adds.
The center also includes classroom space for parenting presentations and CPR training, a resource station that connects families to personalized child health information, a Safety Stop shop that provides a variety of child safety gear and home safety consultations with trained technicians, and a food and beverage kiosk. A surface parking lot is adjacent to the center, and there is also a separate pick-up area for surgical patients.
But making visitors feel welcome and at ease involves more than bright colors, toys and top-notch amenities. “We’ve hand-selected the right staff at every level— from physicians and nurses to the greeters who help direct you to the right place,” Bruns notes. “Child life specialists will be on hand to comfort kids who might be frightened or fussy. It’s the same high level of excellence and expertise the physicians of Washington University have always provided, in a convenient new location.”
Photo Courtesy of St. Louis Children’s Hospital
[St. Louis Children’s Specialty Care Center, located at Highway 40/I-64 and Mason Road in Town & Country, opens June 2. The new outpatient facility is staffed by Washington University Physicians. For more information, call 314.454.KIDS (5437) or visit stlouischildrens.org/childrenscare.]