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Virtua Memorial Hospital in New Jersey has completed the new $9.5 million Pediatric Pavilion, which is designed as an innovative model of care to provide inpatient and outpatient emergency services for children under 18.

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The new 11,000 square feet pediatric pavilion has been designed to provide care for children in collaboration with families. It is equipped with the latest technology to help the young children. It will provide round-the-clock access to pediatric emergency care.

The pavilion includes eight emergency treatment beds, three minor injury chairs, five inpatient beds, a Ronald McDonald playroom, a respite area for patients and siblings, and a media centre for patients and their families.

The new unit includes state-of-the-art equipment, a “safe room” aimed for those experiencing a psychiatric emergency, and a negative pressure room to treat those with airborne illnesses.

There is no pediatric waiting area separate from the main emergency room. The new unit will provide emergency and inpatient service in one place. The unit includes games, photos of animals, couches that convert into beds for the comfort of family members, and a bright colour scheme.

Ground for the project was broken in June 2012 with the pavilion scheduled to open its doors on 22 April 2013.

As one of New Jersey’s largest health systems, Virtua Memorial is said to be the only pediatric provider in Burlington County.