News

All Articles in the Category ‘News’

High Patient Surge Strains Hospital and Emergency Department: How You Can Help

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).

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COVID-19 Update on Boosters and Referrals for Antibody Infusion

Boosters Now Available at Main Campus

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:

  • Received two doses of either the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine at least six months ago
  • Received the single-dose Janssen vaccine at least two months ago

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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Update on COVID-19 and Seattle Children’s Capacity

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.

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Anti-Racism Work at Seattle Children’s

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.

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Update on COVID-19 and Seattle Children’s Capacity

As of September 1, 2021:

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