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The Pediatric Hospitalist Service (PHS) consists of physicians and other health professionals at Vail Valley Medical Center. At the request of your primary care provider (PCP), we provide care to your child while in the hospital. We realize that a hospital admission is stressful and want to make your child’s stay as comfortable as possible. Our approach is based on the concept of family-centered care with the belief that the family is a child’s primary source of strength and support. We encourage you to participate in your child’s care and welcome your questions and suggestions. We will be in contact with your PCP on admission and will discuss your care with your PCP in the course of your child’s hospital stay and at discharge.

Recommendations
Because the thought of a hospital stay may cause fear and anxiety in children, we encourage you to talk to your child in advance of his or her visit. Explaining the reasons for your child’s hospitalization in terms he or she can understand can help ease some initial fears. To stay connected to one’s home and family, we encourage children to bring any of the following items that may make their stay more comfortable.

• Favorite stuffed animal or blanket
• Bathrobe and slippers to wear over their hospital pajamas
• Books or activities to help pass the time

VVMC provides rooming-in accommodations for family. If you choose to stay with your child, please bring toiletries, clothes and other essentials.

Our Pediatric Team
Pediatric Hospitalists are board certified physicians whose primary professional focus is the care of hospitalized children. These doctors' duties include patient care on the ward and in the nursery, teaching and leadership related to the care of children at VVMC. The doctor treats your child only while in the hospital and then returns care of your child to your PCP.  Pediatric Hospitalists may also be consulted by surgeons to participate in your child’s care. They coordinate all aspects of your child’s care while at VVMC and provide an experienced, consistent health care team with ongoing communication and organized discharge/follow-up planning for the referring physician.

While the Pediatric Hospitalist will oversee day-to-day care of your child, he/she is supported by a comprehensive pediatric team with extensive experience and training in all aspects of caring for children. Pediatric team health professionals include:

• Pediatric and nursery registered nurses
• Pediatric respiratory therapists
• Dietitians
• Social workers
• Pharmacists
• Pastoral care