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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.
Palivizumab (Synagis) Administration Began September 15, 2021
Seattle Children’s started administration of palivizumab (Synagis) for eligible patients two months early this year, on September 15, due to high RSV rates seen in late summer and an increase in the number of RSV patients admitted to the ICU needing ventilator support. We are providing Synagis to current Seattle Children’s patients who are eligible. We recommend community providers assess their patients for RSV risk and begin administering Synagis to eligible patients.
In early September, Seattle Children’s released its much-anticipated Health Equity and Anti-Racism Action Plan. It articulates over 30 specific actions Seattle Children’s will take to address the eight recommendations that emerged from an outside assessment by Covington & Burling. That assessment examined issues of systemic racism, diversity, equity and inclusion at Seattle Children’s.
These 30+ actions will engage Seattle Children’s workforce, leadership, patient families and the broader community to make measurable, significant changes aimed at ensuring equity, diversity and inclusion at Seattle Children’s.
As of September 1, 2021:
Dr. Angela Hernandez
Seattle Children’s is pleased to announce we have added a physician and nurse to our Pediatric and Adolescent Gynecology Clinic to increase the availability of complex gynecologic care in our region. With the addition of Dr. Angela Hernandez, we have significantly expanded an expert team that already included Dr. Kate Debiec and Dr. Anne-Marie E. Amies Oelschlager. Dr. Hernandez will see patients at North Clinic in Everett and in Seattle.
Provider Grand Rounds are held year-round on Thursdays from 8 to 9 a.m. Instructions on watching the live webcast are here.
A Message from Dr. Jeff Sperring, CEO:
The Hospital Board of Trustees has voted to release the detailed recommendations and summary findings presented by Covington and Burling following their assessment of Seattle Children’s efforts to combat racism and promote diversity, equity and inclusion. I am grateful to the Board for making this decision. The assessment made clear that Seattle Children’s has not lived up to the standards and the values we set for ourselves. As CEO, I commit to you we will do better, and this work is my top priority. An internal Task Force representing a cross-section of our organization has been formed to create an action plan by September 1, 2021 to address Covington’s findings and recommendations. We have asked Covington to assess our progress against that action plan and report back their findings to the community. We commit to all these actions to honor the trust our community has placed in Seattle Children’s.
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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