The MaineHealth Maine Medical Center emergency department is home to Maine's only pediatric emergency department (PED) – a unique 10-bed unit that provides care specifically for children. Overseen by physicians who have been specially trained in pediatric emergency medicine, our PED provides exceptional care for children with life-threatening emergencies.
Exceptional care for children with serious or life-threatening emergencies
With over 15,000 patient visits a year, our PED offers a depth of experience that is unmatched in Maine. Our private pediatric ED exam rooms are outfitted with the most advanced, child-sized medical equipment. Parents are welcome at their child’s bedside at all times and are included in all treatment decisions.
The PED also offers a separate child-friendly waiting room to shelter children from the adult emergency department waiting room. Designed with kids in mind, the PED waiting area has games, toys and televisions which provide distractions for a more comfortable visit.
Where to go for care
For minor injuries or illnesses that aren't life threatening yet require medical attention on the same day, consider a MaineHealth walk-in care or urgent care location.
Poison emergencies
If you think a child has swallowed a harmful substance, call the Northern New England Poison Center at 1-800-222-1222 for fast advice. A poison specialist will tell you whether you need to take the child to the hospital.
For fast, efficient evaluation of your child, our PED has an on-site radiology suite with advanced diagnostic imaging technology, including bedside ultrasound, light-speed CT scanning and digital radiography (x-rays). Laboratory specimens are transported to the onsite laboratory via a pneumatic tube system, which allows for “stat” lab results to be returned in 10 to 20 minutes, and routine laboratory evaluation turnaround time of less than one hour.
Should your child need surgery or a specialty care consultation, MaineHealth Barbara Bush Children's Hospital offers a comprehensive range of subspecialists and treatment resources.
