Children's Regional Hospital at Cooper

Emergency Care

Why Cooper?
The Emergency Department of The Children’s Regional Hospital is staffed 24 hours a day with doctors, nurses and other professionals trained to take care of your sick child. In addition, a Pediatric Emergency Medicine specialist is available seven day a week during all peak hours.

What can I expect when I arrive at the Emergency Department?
Upon arrival, your child is first greeted by a Triage nurse who will evaluate your child. She will ask about your child’s illness, take your child’s temperature and do a brief examination.

What happens after triage?
While you are waiting to be seen by the doctor, you will be asked to register your child.

Why do some children get seen before my child when we were here first?
While most of the children are seen in the order of their arrival, some emergencies need to be seen before others. We appreciate your patience and understanding.

What happens when I am taken back to the Emergency Department examination rooms?
After the nurse places your son or daughter in the room, the doctor will be in shortly to examine your child.

Will I be able to stay with my child during their whole evaluation?
It is our policy that one adult always be with the child for his or her complete Emergency Department stay. However, occasionally, under special circumstances, you may be asked if you would mind waiting outside the room for certain procedures to be done.

Can I leave the Emergency Department while my child is being evaluated?
We ask that one adult remain with the child for his or her complete Emergency Department stay. This is in the best interests of your child’s safety.

What can I expect if my child is to be admitted to the hospital?
Your child will continue to be cared for in the Emergency Department until the pediatric room us ready on the pediatric ward. The pediatric doctors who will care for your child in the hospital may meet you in the Emergency Department or wait until your child is admitted upstairs to the pediatric ward.

Can I stay in the hospital with my child?
A parent is encouraged to stay with their child during the whole admission.

What if my child needs a pediatric specialist?
The Children’s Regional Hospital at Cooper has a full staff of pediatric specialists available on a 24 hour basis.

What happens when my child is discharged from the Emergency Department?
You will be given specific instructions on how to care for your sick or injured child. We will discuss the proper use of any medications and also inform you to be concerned about after you leave.

What if my child gets sicker after I leave?
You should call your doctor and discuss it. If you think it’s an emergency, you should call 911 immediately.