Myrtle Beach, SC — Grand Strand Medical Center is ensuring that families receive the best care for their children close to home. The hospital's Emergency Department was recently awarded Pediatric Ready certification from SC DHEC's Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) department. Grand Strand Medical Center is one of only three hospitals in the state that has completed the Pediatric Ready survey and received this distinguished recognition.

The Pediatric Ready certification recognizes emergency departments that go above and beyond national standards for the care provided to pediatric patients. The survey evaluates hospital guidelines including the special treatment needed to care for young patients, state-of-the art pediatric medical equipment and processes for better healthcare outcomes for children.

"The Pediatric Ready designation recognizes Grand Strand Medical Center by acknowledging our continual advancements in addressing the unique safety concerns in the delivery of pediatric care," states Dr. Rebecca Matthews, Pediatric Emergency Medical Director for Grand Strand Health. "We are honored to be certified for our commitment to the growing community of families and year-round visitors."

Grand Strand Health offers a dedicated Pediatric ER, called Children's Care ER at Grand Strand Medical Center. It is staffed with pediatric specialty trained physicians and clinicians available to care for young patients from birth to 17 years of age. It is a Level II Pediatric Trauma Center and cared for nearly 19,000 pediatric emergency patients and over 160 pediatric trauma patients in 2018.