Cris Collingwood//February 7, 2023
St. Luke’s University Health Network (SLUHN) has opened six Pediatric Specialty Labs for bloodwork.
The Pediatric Specialty Labs, which SLUHN said are the first in the region, opened inside existing draw sites with specially trained phlebotomists at the beginning of February.
“Our pediatric specialty lab locations have been designed to give our younger patients something distracting to look at during their lab work and have some fun after,” said Elizabeth Taylor, network director of Outpatient Lab Services.
“Our phlebotomists at these sites also have new resources to use to help make this a ‘wow,’ not ‘ow’ experience including distraction tools, Buzzy or Lady Buzzy gadgets that have ‘special’ powers, and reward items. All of this is intended to help make our younger patients and their families feel even more comfortable with getting their lab work done,” Taylor said.
The Pediatric Specialty Labs are located in:
“These newly designed spaces help to bring down the level of anxiety and to create a more pleasant experience for both the child and the parents. St. Luke’s is continuing to show the community our commitment to providing the best possible pediatric care in the region,” said Jessika Haynos, Pediatric Service Line administrator
SLUHN’s obstetrics & gynecology and pediatric practices will distribute information to parents about how to prepare their child for the bloodwork and what to expect during their visit to the lab.
“This can help the child and parent have peace of mind about their tests or lab process,” Taylor said.
The opening of St. Luke’s Pediatric Specialty Labs follows the opening the newly renovated Pediatric Inpatient Unit and St. Luke’s Pediatric Specialty Center, the region’s first and only free-standing facility dedicated entirely to caring for kids, SLUHN said.
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