Medical Center to add pediatric unit, emergency care

Officials of Lakewood Ranch Medical Center  announced today the hospital will open a pediatric unit this fall, and will also have a pediatric physician working in its emergency room at all times.

The change is expected to start Oct. 29, at which time Sheridan Healthcorp will assume the hospital's emergency room contract. Sheridan will have adult and pediatric emergency room physicians available in Lakewood's emergency room continually. Additionally, a six-bed unit in the existing Women's Center, will provide a place for in-patient pediatric patients to stay.

Currently, the hospital transfers pediatric emergency room patients who need overnight observation, or other care, to All Children's Hospital.

"The kids are in the community; our goal is to treat them in the community," Lakewood Ranch Medical Center CEO Jim Wilson said.

For a complete story, see the Aug. 9 issue of the East County Observer.

Contact Pam Eubanks at [email protected].