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MercyOne Children's Hospital

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For over 100 years, MercyOne Children’s Hospital has provided dedicated pediatric care to the Des Moines area and beyond. Our expert team of pediatric providers and specialists combine advanced medical technology with a nurturing approach to ensure the highest quality outcomes for every child we serve. At MercyOne, we are committed to supporting both patients and families through every step of their care.

From everyday injuries to advanced pediatric medicine, MercyOne Children’s Hospital has expert care for your child’s health needs. We provide comprehensive care for children, from pediatric specialists to advanced emergency and trauma care. Located in MercyOne Des Moines Medical Center, we offer leading pediatric surgical services, an exceptional pediatric intensive care unit and a Level III NICU. We provide big care for little ones, no matter what life brings.

Services:

 

Ways to Give

MercyOne Children's Hospital receives requests from individuals and groups in the community wanting to know how they can help children who are in the hospital. Our child life specialists have a list of items that are always in demand to help the various ages of children we serve.

Donate Now     Check out our Amazon Wish List

General Pediatrics

From your baby’s first days to the milestones ahead, MercyOne supports your child’s health every step of the way. Whether you’re choosing a pediatrician, attending well-child visits or navigating illness or emergencies, our team is here for you. MercyOne pediatricians track your child’s growth, provide screenings and guide you to specialists when needed. For the routine and the unexpected, trust MercyOne to deliver big care for your little ones.

General Pediatrics Care services and treatments

  • Acute care
  • Age-appropriate screenings
  • Referrals to specialists
  • Scheduled immunizations
  • School, sports and camp physicals
  • Seasonal vaccines

Pediatrics Care Locations

 

Pediatrics Specialty Care

The pediatric specialists at MercyOne understand how stressful it can be when your child is facing a chronic condition or injury. That’s why we work closely with your pediatrician to provide the right care while keeping you informed and involved every step of the way. From sports injuries to heart or digestive conditions, we’re here to make the experience as smooth as possible so your child can get back to what matters most—being a kid.

 

Pediatrics Urgent Care

When your child’s doctor isn’t available, MercyOne Des Moines Pediatrics Urgent Care offers fast, convenient care for everyday illnesses and minor injuries. From stitches and sprains to strep testing and imaging, our team helps your child feel more comfortable and on the path to recovery.

Pediatrics Urgent Care services and treatments

  • Minor cuts and simple fractures
  • Care for sore throat, cough, cold and flu
  • Sprains and strains  
  • Urinary tract infections
  • Asthma and breathing treatments
  • On-site or same-day lab and x-ray for rapid diagnosis

Pediatrics Urgent Care

 

Pediatrics Emergency Care

When the unexpected happens, MercyOne Des Moines Pediatrics Emergency Care provides expert support for your child. Our providers are specially trained to treat pediatric emergencies, using child-focused protocols, communication and equipment to deliver the right care in critical moments.

When to seek pediatrics emergency care?

  • For bleeding that does not stop after 15 minutes of applying pressure
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fainting, confusion or trouble waking
  • Fever over 102.5 F
  • Deep or gaping wounds
  • Severe or ongoing vomiting, diarrhea or blood in stool

Pediatrics Emergency Care

The Ronald McDonald House at MercyOne Children’s Hospital is one of only a few in-hospital locations in the U.S. It keeps families close by providing a home away from home for families traveling to Des Moines to seek the critical medical care for their child that is not available in their home communities.

Learn more about the Ronald McDonald House   Get Involved

Child life specialists play a special role in children’s health care.

MercyOne Children’s Hospital provides a certified staff of specialists trained to help children and their families understand and manage challenging life events and stressful healthcare experiences. Difficult or unexpected experiences, such as chronic illness, hospitalization, the death of a loved one or the aftermath of a traumatic event can be upsetting for anyone, especially children. 

Child Life specialists work with family members and health care staff to focus on the needs of children. Their roles can include: 

  • Easing a child’s fear and anxiety with therapeutic and recreational activities 
  • Explaining tests, surgeries and other procedures to a child ahead of time 
  • Engaging children and families in special events, entertainment and activities 
  • Considering the needs of siblings or other children who may also be affected by a child’s illness or trauma 
  • Directing pre-admission hospital tours and resources, and consultations with outpatient families 
  • Supporting families confronting grief and bereavement issues 
  • Providing education and resources for parents and members of the team 

Child life specialists at MercyOne provide services to the pediatrics and pediatric intensive care units (PICU), medical imaging, pediatric emergency department, cath lab and the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

Donating to Child Life Program

The department receives many requests about donations of items for children. Because there are specific guidelines on what can be accepted, please refer to the Child Life Specialists Wish List for a list of items that can be donated.

These items do not require purchase through Amazon; you may purchase them from any retailer and deliver them to the MercyOne Foundation at 411 Laurel St. Ste. 2250, Des Moines, IA.

Please contact Child Life at 515-240-0320 or mercyonechildlife@mercyoneiowa.org with any questions!

Meet the MercyOne Child Life Specialists

Erin Biegert

Erin Biegert, CCLS 

Rebecca Gerecke

Rebecca Wilson, CCLS 

Meet the Families

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MercyOne Children’s Hospital now offers the Medtronic EndoFLIP™ impedance planimetry system. This test helps diagnosis dysphagia, or persistent difficulty swallowing.

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