Westerly Hospital in Rhode Island has received the Pediatric Innovator designation from the Rhode Island EMS for Children (EMSC) program, marking it as “Always Ready for Children.” This recognition highlights the hospital’s preparedness and commitment to treating pediatric patients during emergencies.
The hospital earned a score of 98 on the Assessment of Readiness to Care (ARC) program, surpassing the threshold required for top-tier status. To achieve this designation, Westerly Hospital demonstrated comprehensive emergency care for patients under 18, designated pediatric emergency care coordinators, established clear care pathways for children in the emergency department, and maintained ongoing education and quality assurance feedback for staff and EMS agencies.
The National Pediatric Readiness Project reports that emergency departments with strong pediatric readiness—such as having child-sized equipment, trained staff, and clinical protocols—show improved outcomes for children facing medical or traumatic emergencies.
Nader Bahadory, DO, director of emergency medicine at Westerly Hospital, stated: “The Pediatric Innovator designation reflects the extraordinary skill, training and dedication of our emergency department team. We are thrilled to be recognized for our expertise in caring for children when they’re most vulnerable. Our clinical and support staff are highly trained and credentialed to care for children of all ages—from newborns and toddlers to adolescents and young adults.”
Each year in the United States, children account for over 30 million visits to emergency departments—about 20% of all such visits. However, national data indicate that around 80% of U.S. emergency departments are not fully prepared to treat pediatric emergencies. This lack of preparation can lead to delayed diagnoses or inappropriate treatment and is associated with approximately 1,400 preventable pediatric deaths annually.
Rhode Island’s EMSC initiative works to address these gaps by integrating pediatric needs into local Emergency Medical Services systems. The program encourages participation in national assessments of pediatric readiness and supports continued education for EMTs, paramedics, school nurses, and hospital staff involved in pediatric care.
Katelin Ferreira, EMS for Children program manager, said: “Achieving Pediatric Innovator status is a testament to Westerly Hospital’s unwavering commitment to high-quality pediatric emergency care. Hospitals like Westerly set the standard for what it means to be prepared for every child, every time.”
Westerly Hospital collaborates with other hospitals through the Rhode Island EMSC program to share best practices and improve regional readiness in pediatric emergencies.
The hospital is part of Yale New Haven Health and has provided inpatient and outpatient services—including heart care, cancer treatment through Smilow Cancer Hospital Care Center, geriatric psychiatric care, pain management services—and more than 90 years’ service to residents in southern Rhode Island and southeastern Connecticut.
