Pediatrics in Anchorage, Alaska

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A minor mishap that turns into a hospital visit can be worrisome and becomes stressful when it involves your child. At Alaska Regional Hospital, we are prepared for children's health needs from childhood mishaps to severe injuries. We understand your child's health is important.

For more information about our pediatric services, or to find a doctor, call our 24/7 Consult-A-Nurse® line.

Specialized medical care for children

At the Kids Care Unit at Alaska Regional, children and their families benefit from advanced treatment methods and our team's expertise in family-centered care. This care model recognizes the importance of family participation in the healing process for children.

Our children's unit cares for kids from newborns to teens up to 17 years old. The unit is home to a highly specialized pediatric medical team available 24/7. The pediatric team covers physicians and pediatric subspecialists, pediatric-trained nurses and support staff.

Highlights of the Kids Care Unit

Our amenities include:

  • A care team available 24/7, including pediatric physicians
  • A requirement that visitors check-in at the nurse's station before entering the locked unit
  • A safe and secure, nursing station that is centralized on the unit so rooms are child-safe
  • Alaskan animal-themed rooms
  • All-private rooms with sleep accommodations at the bedside for a parent/guardian
  • Rooms and equipment designed to meet the size-specific needs of children

Pediatric care team

Our team has extensive experience and training in the pediatric aspects of their field. Your child's pediatric team members include:

  • Board-certified physicians and pediatric subspecialists
  • Pediatric registered nurses
  • Psychologists
  • Pharmacists
  • Dietitians
  • Chaplin

Our team works together to ensure that your child's needs are met. Because of our experience caring for sick children. We anticipate needs and questions, but invite you to ask us anything, at any time.

Pediatric services we offer

We offer a variety of services including a/an:

Preparing for your child's hospital stay

Because the thought of a hospital stay may cause fear and anxiety in children, we encourage you to talk to your child in advance of his or her visit. Explaining the reasons for your child’s hospitalization in terms he or she can understand can help ease some initial fears. To stay connected to one's home and family, we encourage children to bring any of the following items that may make their stay more comfortable:

  • Favorite stuffed animal or blanket
  • Bathrobe and slippers to wear over their hospital pajamas
  • A few books or activities to help pass the time

We provide overnight accommodations for one parent. If you choose to stay with your child, please bring toiletries, clothes and other essentials. If other family members want to stay in the area, a social worker can provide information on local lodgings and help you make arrangements. We also have an age-appropriate selection of books, toys, and digital games for your child.

Advanced pediatric services

Our pediatric physicians manage special programs geared to the specific needs of its youngest patients. From well-care support to intensive care, our services include:

Immunization

Children's immunizations should take place at birth, two months, four months, six months, 12 months, and 18 months of age. Once children reach school age, they should follow guidelines for their school district. Anchorage area residents should follow the guidelines for the Anchorage School District. For more information about vaccines, call the Alaska Immunization Hotline at (907) 269-8088 (local) or (888) 430-4321 (toll free).

Your local public health center may offer free or low-cost immunizations as well. To find a public health center close to you, visit Public Health Center Locations.

Neonatal evaluation and support (NEST) program

Neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS) occurs when a pregnant woman takes narcotics, alcohol or nicotine during pregnancy. Substance use during pregnancy can cause addiction in the mother which causes addiction in the unborn child. When the newborn is no longer exposed to drugs after birth, the result is withdrawal symptoms including high-pitched crying, sleep problems and convulsions.

At Alaska Regional, our NEST program offers medical management of a baby's withdrawal symptoms. NEST is a part of our substance abuse program whose goal is to help affected families recover in an open and non-shaming environment where respect, honesty, and diversity are highly valued.

Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)

Our NICU department was specially created for the care of sick newborns and premature infants. When a baby is born with medical problems or if complications arise during delivery, the baby is immediately comes to the NICU from our labor and delivery unit.

Our neonatal team includes neonatologists, nurse practitioners, medical specialists and support staff with special training to care for sick infants. We are able to care for newborns as young as 32 weeks gestation and older. Our team works to help babies to grow strong enough to go home to their families.