Northeast Georgia Medical Center (NGMC) Barrow recently became one of the first three hospitals in Georgia to have its emergency department (ED) designated by the state for pediatric care. NGMC Barrow is now a Level III Pediatric Readiness Center, joining NGMC Braselton as a Level III center and NGMC Gainesville as a Level II center.
“This means we are capable of the initial evaluation and stabilization of critically ill children and can provide appropriate, timely transfer to a higher level of care if needed,” said Akhil Saraswat, MD, medical director of NGMC Barrow’s emergency department. “Simply put, if you live in the area and your child needs emergency care, seconds count – don’t drive straight to Atlanta. Bring them to NGMC Barrow where we can provide immediate treatment and fast-track them to our partners in Gainesville or Atlanta if needed.”
The ED has also earned the prestigious Lantern Award for excellence in emergency care from the national Emergency Nurses Association and is accredited for pain and addiction care by the American College of Emergency Physicians.
The waiting area for the emergency department was recently renovated and now has more seats, improved triage areas and enhanced security all designed to minimize wait times, hospital officials say.