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Due to a shortage of testing reagents combined with a surge in demand for testing, we must temporarily decrease the number of COVID-19 tests administered at Seattle Children’s. We have temporarily suspended COVID-19 testing for the community. Effective immediately, we are not accepting referrals from primary care providers for COVID-19 testing.
Seattle Children’s system-wide number of positive COVID-19 swabs has been approximately doubling every week for the past four weeks and is about three times higher than any other time in the pandemic. Not only are the raw numbers increasing but our positivity rate has gone from about 2% a few weeks ago to nearly 20% last week.
On December 9, 2021, Seattle Children’s released the first quarterly progress report on our Health Equity and Anti-Racism Action Plan. The quarterly report is part of Seattle Children’s commitment to accountability as we systematically dismantle racism within the organization. There are eight recommendations in the action plan, each with action working towards a desired outcome.
After a dip in census over the Thanksgiving holiday, the Emergency Department (ED) and the hospital had a high surge of patients on Monday, November 29. The ED was at 200% capacity Monday evening with a mental health surge of 16 patients (40% of the normal ED bed capacity).
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has removed qualifying criteria to expand who can get the COVID-19 vaccine booster doses for extended immunity. Seattle Children’s now is able to administer booster doses under an emergency use authorization to any individual who is 18 years and older and has:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Seattle Children's complies with applicable federal and other civil rights laws and does not discriminate, exclude people or treat them differently based on race, color, religion (creed), sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin (ancestry), age, disability, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law. Financial assistance for medically necessary services is based on family income and hospital resources and is provided to children under age 21 whose primary residence is in Washington, Alaska, Montana or Idaho.
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