Reminder: Strains On Our ED and Inpatient Capacity – Your Help Requested
As a reminder, we continue to experience a very high number of Emergency Department (ED) visits due in large part to respiratory illnesses, mental health concerns and COVID-19.* The ED is using every available space to treat patients, including lobby space, a converted storage area and tents. Seattle Children’s Urgent Care clinics also are experiencing high demand and are full most days.
All Ambulatory Clinics Are Now Conducting Suicide Screening
Seattle Children’s ambulatory clinics are now screening all patients 10 years of age and older for suicidal ideation. This includes patients at our regional clinics. Screening was rolled out in phases starting in May. Since then, 9,000 ambulatory patients have been screened and over 700 screened positive and received follow-up interventions. Suicide screening has been in place for more than two years in our Emergency Department and inpatient units.
Pilot: Newborn Screening Test for Wilson Disease Begins Nov. 1
A newborn screening test for Wilson disease is being trialed in Washington beginning November 1 in a pilot study that Dr. Sihoun Hahn hopes will lead to diagnosing infants across the country who have this life-threatening but easily treated disease.
New Flyers in 5 Languages Address Mental Health for Children and Teens
Three leading U.S. pediatric health organizations declared a state of emergency in youth mental health on October 19, 2021. We want to take this opportunity to share several new flyers from Seattle Children’s intended to help families find a qualified and available mental health counselor for their child. We encourage our provider partners in the community to share them with patients and families.
Anti-Racism Work at Seattle Children’s: Workforce Focus Groups Underway
Between October 23 and November 5, we are conducting 20 online focus group sessions with a diverse cross-section of Seattle Children’s workforce to solicit input on our Health Equity and Anti-Racism Action Plan (English and Spanish) and inform and prioritize our next steps. The groups are being led by an external, independent firm.
Grand Rounds: November 2021
Provider Grand Rounds
Thursdays from 8 to 9 a.m. Instructions on watching the live webcast are here.
Special Update: Strains On Our ED and Inpatient Capacity – Your Help Requested
From: Dr. Brianna Enriquez, Medical Director of Emergency Management and Dr. Elaine Albert, Medical Director, Inpatient Access
In the last week, there has been a large increase in Emergency Department (ED) visits due to a combination of respiratory illnesses, mental health and COVID-19. The ED is functioning at 150% capacity on average. The ED team is using every available space to treat patients, including the lobby, a converted storage area and tents. Approximately 33% of ED bed space is being used for patients with mental and behavioral health issues.
Fetal Intervention and Surgery Is Now Available at Seattle Children’s
Effective October 1, 2021, Seattle Children’s is proud to announce our expanded Fetal Care and Treatment Center.
The Center includes the only fetal intervention and surgery program in the Northwest, as well as advanced diagnostic and testing options, dedicated care coordination, the most comprehensive pediatric medical and surgical experts in the region and robust support services. Dr. Mark Lewin will lead the Center.
Introducing Our New Type 2 Diabetes Clinic
Seattle Children’s Endocrinology and Diabetes is pleased to announce our new clinic created exclusively for pediatric patients with type 2 diabetes.
Why A Clinic Just for Type 2 Patients
Type 2 diabetes is increasing in the youth population. It affects people from a range of ethnic and racial groups and at all social and economic levels. Patients with type 2 diabetes need a multidisciplinary team to help achieve glycemic targets and lifestyle goals. Diabetes education and self-management skills are an essential component to this clinic.
