Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago

Providing Needed Care in a Safe Environment

When it comes to children’s healthcare, “elective” is rarely a part of the conversation. Cancer, heart issues and brain conditions—the kind of care that Lurie Children’s provides—can’t be put on hold.

Neither can vaccinations, which are so crucial to children’s health.

For many parents, though, COVID-19 hit the pause button on taking their children to the doctor. Up to 80% of children missed routine check-ups and vaccinations because of the pandemic, according to estimates from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

“With so much uncertainty about COVID-19, it’s natural that people have thought, ‘Maybe I’ll just put off an appointment and not take my child into the doctor’s office now,’” Matt Davis, MD, MAAP, Lurie Children’s Head of Pediatrics, says in the video above.

Lurie Children’s wants parents to know they can expect safe and compassionate care at all of its facilities. Together with IHA, Lurie Children’s is committed to “moving healthy ahead.” That means the hospital has implemented strong safety procedures to protect patients and families during COVID-19.

After all, needed healthcare can only wait so long.

Dr. Davis recommends parents make sure their children, especially those under 2, are up-to-date on routine check-ups and vaccinations.

For families of children who need surgery, Pediatric Surgeon Erin. E. Rowell, MD, says “it’s really normal for parents to be nervous about whether their child is safe to come in… because we’ve all been given messages to stay at home, if possible, to not do these things.”

In the video below, Dr. Rowell highlights the efforts at Lurie Children’s to provide a safe and comfortable care environment, in line with guidelines from the American College of Surgeons.

Lurie Children’s, built on a 136-year legacy of excellence, is consistently ranked among the top pediatric hospitals in the U.S.

“Our mission is to provide every child with access to safe, high-quality care,” Dr. Rowell says.