Valley View Hospital has been officially recognized as “pediatric ready” by the Colorado Pediatric Preparedness for the Emergency Room (COPPER) Program, marking the first Level III Trauma Center in Colorado to be COPPER verified, a news release states.

As a Level III Trauma Center, Valley View provides 24-hour coverage by emergency medicine physicians, general surgeons, and anesthesiologists. The designation highlights Valley View’s commitment to providing exceptional emergency care tailored specifically to the needs of pediatric patients. Valley View is an independent, not-for-profit health system based in Glenwood Springs with offices throughout the region, the release states.

The accreditation process is administered by the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) State Partnership Program in Colorado. The process involves the highest standards of pediatric emergency care, advanced training, and specialized resources. 

Valley View’s Chief Medical Officer and pediatrician with Pediatric Partners Dr. David M. Brooks praised the designation.

“Valley View prioritizes the care of children and their families,” he said. “This designation recognizes the exceptional emergency care tailored to meet the needs of our patients. We are very proud of our team for working to ensure every child who comes through our doors receives the most comprehensive care.”

Valley View Trauma Program Manager and RN Carly DeBeque said “the designation demonstrates our commitment to pediatric care in our Emergency Department in providing exceptional care tailored to the specific needs of pediatric patients. This recognition displays we have the specific skills, equipment, protocols, and other components necessary for high-quality emergency care of children.”

Nationwide, children make up about 20% of emergency visits. In these emergencies, they require specialized care that differs from adult care.

“Children are not little adults, they are growing physically, emotionally and intellectually so it’s important to recognize that,” DeBeque added. “Pediatric patients are a special population in need of special skills.”

Pediatric readiness is important because it’s associated with improved outcomes for acutely ill and injured children. COPPER, a voluntary pediatric readiness recognition program, aims to encourage pediatric readiness across Colorado. The program strives to help emergency departments achieve a higher level of pediatric readiness by providing key resources, support, and education.

Receiving a pediatric-ready designation underscores that Valley View is dedicated to the unique needs of pediatric patients in its community.

“We want our community to know our ER staff and pediatric department are prepared to care for pediatric situations 24 hours a day,” DeBeque said. “Research shows that emergency departments that are pediatric ready have a lower mortality rate in both ill and injured children.”

Founded in 1955 with funds raised by the community, Valley View Hospital has evolved to serve the healthcare needs of the region. In addition to its 78-bed hospital in Glenwood Springs, Valley View includes an integrated system of specialty centers and physicians’ practices providing care in multiple locations across Garfield, Pitkin, Eagle, and Mesa counties.