I was recently invited to an event focused on the exciting plans for a future stand-alone children’s hospital in Nevada. While our current hospitals do have pediatric departments, we don’t yet have a dedicated children’s hospital like many other states do—and having one here would be a game-changer for so many families.
When Kay was diagnosed with Type 1 Diabetes, we were initially in the children’s ER at one hospital. Unfortunately, due to a shortage of pediatric specialists, we had to wait for an ambulance transfer to a different hospital that had a children’s wing and an available endocrinologist. That delay was not only frustrating but potentially dangerous, especially in time-sensitive situations. We waited a long time just for the transfer, and even longer once we arrived to be triaged and admitted.
The hope is that in the future, families won’t have to face those same challenges. If another emergency arises—or if we ever find ourselves needing urgent care again—this new children’s hospital would ideally have all the necessary resources in one place, eliminating the need for transfers or being turned away due to lack of staffing or equipment.
During the event, the team behind the project shared their vision and emphasized their commitment to listening to families who will actually use the hospital. They were actively seeking input on what services are most needed, as well as what kinds of amenities could make hospital stays more comfortable and supportive for children and their families.
After the presentation, I had the opportunity to speak with one of the organizers and stress just how critical it is that Nevada bring in more pediatric specialists. Right now, they are few and far between. Families often sit on waitlists for months—or even years. And if you are fortunate enough to get in, missing a single appointment can mean waiting months again just to be seen.
They seemed optimistic that this hospital could change that, and I left feeling hopeful. One of the proposed features that stood out to me was a pediatric-specific lab with phlebotomists trained to work with children. This would be a huge relief for us personally. Kay requires annual blood work due to the health risks associated with Down syndrome, and even more frequent labs now because of her diabetes. Unfortunately, our current experiences with lab work are often stressful and traumatic, as it’s hard to find someone who can get it right on the first—or even second—try.
We urgently need more pediatric specialists in Nevada, and I’m hopeful that this hospital will attract them. Our kids deserve better access to care, and this project feels like a meaningful step in the right direction.