Check-In Desk
When you arrive, you’ll enter a kid-friendly waiting area. A team member will check you in and gather your child’s basic information, medical history and symptoms.
Pediatric Emergency Room
From the moment you arrive in the pediatric emergency department, your child will be in expert hands. OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois is home to the only Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center in downstate Illinois.
Our 24-hour pediatric emergency room is designed for kids and families, with private, kid-friendly rooms and board-certified pediatric emergency providers.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Waiting Room
Patients are treated based on the urgency of their condition, so wait times can vary. Our team will keep your child comfortable and continue to monitor their condition while you wait.
Triage
A triage nurse will assess your child’s condition, checking your child’s temperature, blood pressure and oxygen levels to decide when the provider will see them. We may offer pain relief or breathing treatments, if needed.
Exam Room
A pediatric emergency provider will examine your child and may order tests like blood work or X-rays. Specialists, including child life experts, may also assist in your child’s care.
Urgent Care vs Emergency Room
If your child is sick or injured, knowing where to seek care can be difficult. Urgent care can treat non-life-threatening issues with extended hours and 24/7 virtual visits. For more severe symptoms, the emergency department is the best choice.
Choose the Right Level of Care