Support for Children - Emerson Health

Dedicated Unit

Emerson Hospital has a dedicated pediatric inpatient unit, including a brightly decorated playroom with a variety of age-appropriate toys and activities. The unit is staffed by specially trained pediatric nurses and staff who encourage your participation in your child’s care and recovery. Board certified, Pediatric Hospitalists monitor and coordinate every aspect of your child’s care while your child is in the hospital. Parents are welcome on the unit 24 hours a day, and your meals are complimentary.

Our Support

A hospital visit can be overwhelming for a child. At Emerson Health, we understand the fear and anxiety that can come with medical experiences. That is why our Pediatric Intervention Team (PIT)—a team of certified child life specialists—is dedicated to providing compassionate emotional support to children and their families, no matter where they are in the hospital. Whether your child is receiving care at Emerson Health or visiting a loved one, our Pediatric Intervention Team is here to help your family navigate the experience with comfort and confidence. We provide:

Guidance Through Surgery
We help children and families understand the surgical process with same-day preoperative education. We also offer pre-surgery tours and education in advance—call 978-287-3423 to arrange a visit.
Support During Procedures
From diagnostic imaging and blood draws to IV placements and more complex procedures, we help children manage stress during inpatient, outpatient, and emergency visits.
Reducing Fear and Building Resilience
We create a supportive environment that encourages coping, promotes confidence, and helps children develop resilience throughout their medical journey.
Distraction and Comfort Through Play
Play is a child’s natural way of processing experiences. We use engaging activities to provide distraction, relaxation, and understanding during their time at the hospital.
Guidance for Families Facing Critical Situations
We provide age-appropriate explanations for children visiting critically ill family members, as well as compassionate support for families during end-of-life and bereavement.
Helping Caregivers Navigate Difficult Conversations
If you have received a serious diagnosis and need guidance on how to share the news with your child, our specialists are available to offer support and age-appropriate communication strategies.

At Emerson Health, we are committed to making every child’s hospital experience as positive and reassuring as possible. If you have any questions or need assistance, please reach out to our Pediatric Intervention Team at 978-287-3423.

Making Needle Pokes Easier

Research shows that pain in early childhood can impact healthy brain development and growth. At Emerson Health, we are committed to reducing pain and anxiety for children during medical procedures. Whether a child needs a vaccine, bloodwork, or an IV, our child life specialists and nursing staff use four simple, evidence-based techniques to create a more comfortable experience:

1. Numbing the Skin

Before any needle procedure, we use scientifically proven numbing creams and tools such as Buzzy and ShotBlocker to prepare the skin. These methods significantly reduce discomfort, making the experience easier for children.

2. Sugar Water or Breastfeeding for Infants

For babies 12 months and younger, a small amount of sucrose or sugar water helps ease discomfort. Breastfeeding infants can nurse during the procedure for additional soothing and security.

3. Fun Distractions

Keeping a child engaged can help shift their focus away from the procedure. Our team offers playful distractions such as pinwheels, bubbles, stuffed animals, tablets, or even virtual reality goggles to reduce pain perception and create a more positive experience.

4. Comfort Positions

Children feel safest when they are in a secure and familiar position. Whether snuggling with a parent, sitting on their lap, or staying upright in a chair, we prioritize their comfort to help them feel at ease.

At Emerson Health, we believe that medical care should be as gentle and stress-free as possible. Our team is here to support children and families every step of the way.