MercyOne Dubuque receives first-in-state renewal recognition for pediatric readiness

MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center is the first hospital in Iowa to renew its emergency department pediatric readiness recognition through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS), Iowa Pediatric Emergency Assessment and Care Recognition Program (IPEAC).

MercyOne Dubuque served as the pilot hospital for the program and was the first in Iowa to earn “peds ready” status. After completing its initial three-year term, the hospital reapplied, underwent evaluation, and successfully renewed its recognition for another three years. 

“We are honored to be the first hospital in the state to achieve renewal,” said Katie Harris, MSN, RN, MercyOne Dubuque Emergency Department Nurse Manager. “This recognition underscores our commitment to caring for patients of all ages. We appreciate the resources and support provided by this program, which help ensure Iowa’s health care facilities are prepared to deliver the best emergency care for children.” 

MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center also features the only pediatric inpatient unit in the Dubuque Tri-State market.

“With MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center serving as the only inpatient pediatric unit in Dubuque, access to high-quality pediatric care close to home is incredibly important for local families,” said Dr. John Callahan, pediatrician at Medical Associates Clinic. “I am thrilled to see MercyOne Dubuque Medical Center’s continued commitment to emergency and inpatient pediatric care. Over the past year, we’ve seen a meaningful increase in pediatric patient volume, reinforcing both the need for these services locally and the trust families place in our team. Nationwide healthcare trends have made pediatric inpatient and emergency services increasingly difficult to sustain, which makes continued access to these services in our community even more important.”

The IPEAC program, designed and launched in 2023 by Iowa HHS’s Emergency Medical Services for Children initiative, recognizes hospitals of all sizes for their commitment to ensuring readiness to stabilize, treat, and transfer ill or injured children for definitive care. 

“IPEAC focuses on support, encouragement and resource sharing to help raise the bar for pediatric care in all Iowa hospitals,” said Brad VandeLune, chief of Iowa HHS’s Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services. “We are proud of MercyOne Dubuque’s dedication to pediatric care. Not only has the hospital maintained its high standard over the past three years, but it continues to improve. This renewal demonstrates that hospitals of all sizes can achieve program goals and deliver quality emergency care for children.”

Participation in the IPEAC program has been offered to all 121 Iowa hospitals. To earn recognition, hospitals must meet requirements for equipment, staff training and support of pediatric patients and their families and undergo a site evaluation. 

Iowa Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) is a program of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services. IPEAC and EMSC are funded by a federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration.