Connecticut Children's Earns Pediatric Sedation Center Excellence

Press release from the Connecticut Children’s:

Jun 18, 2020

Hartford, CT- Connecticut Children’s is pleased to announce it has been named New England’s first and only Center of Excellence by the National Society of Pediatric Sedation (SPS). In addition, Connecticut Children’s is one of only 10 programs nationally to receive the distinction. As a Center of Excellence, Connecticut Children’s has demonstrated its commitment to the highest quality pediatric sedation care and standards of the SPS. This includes additional measures taken during the COVID pandemic such as enhanced PPE, more rigorous cleaning and sanitizing measures, COVID free zones, masks and temperature screenings to ensure all families are safe and sound during their appointment.

“We are thrilled to have been recognized as a pediatric sedation Center of Excellence,” said Jesse Sturm, MD, an emergency medicine and sedation services physician. “This distinction is confirmation of our dedication to go above and beyond to keep all children safe and sound during any hospital procedure that requires them to be calm and remain still.”

Connecticut Children’s pediatric sedation team is dedicated to helping kids feel less anxious and more comfortable during any procedure or test. The team works to minimize physical discomfort and reduce the negative psychological impact to its patients while helping complete necessary procedures, so that general anesthesia and breathing devices are not needed.

“The sedation service is an invaluable piece of the care we provide to our oncology patients, allowing them to receive sedation for lumbar punctures and bone marrow biopsies in a spacious and organized suite that meets the needs of patients, families and staff. The physicians, nurses, medical assistants and child life specialists are expert both in the medical service they provide and the kind manner in which they provide it,” said Natalie Bezler, MD, oncologist at Connecticut Children’s. “They have truly become part of our care team, getting to know our patients and providing a familiar smile and reassuring presence during an otherwise stressful time.”

Connecticut Children’s Center of Excellence in Pediatric Sedation designation is active for four years. As a Center of Excellence, Connecticut Children’s will now serve as a national example for other hospitals starting a pediatric sedation program.

This press release was produced by the Connecticut Children’s. The views expressed here are the author’s own.