Immediate Access to Medical Care
The Pediatric Assessment and Medical Management (PAMM) Program is one of only 10 medical programs at crisis nurseries nationwide. The program is a partnership among the Nursery, Partners in Pediatrics and the University of Minnesota Department of Emergency Medicine.
The PAMM program enables us to address the health needs of children staying at the Nursery - many of whom do not receive regular medical attention.
Of the children we sheltered during FY 2006, 625 (25%) required medical attention during their stay.
Children staying with us often show signs of stress, such as developmental delays, behavioral disorders, special needs and chronic illness. Each child is screened for signs of abuse, neglect and illness. We report suspected abuse or neglect to Hennepin County Community-Based First Response.
Professional Partners Providing Quality Care
If children need medical attention, doctors from Partners in Pediatrics, a local multi-clinic practice, volunteer their time and expertise to diagnose health problems, prescribe and deliver treatment, complete growth screenings and refer children to long-term health care. The in-kind services donated by Partners in Pediatrics allow the Nursery to address the health needs of every child we shelter, many of whom do not see a doctor on a regular basis or do not receive "well baby" checkups .
Staff from the University of Minnesota Department of Emergency Medicine conduct trainings for our Child Care Provider staff every six weeks. As part of the program, our Child Care Provider staff are required to be certified in CPR, First Aid, and SIDS within 45 days of employment. In addition, they are required to earn 24 continuing education credits per year.
The Nursery shares information with parents during the discharge interview so that they may better understand and address their children's health needs.
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