Regional Health Services of Howard County receives state recognition for pediatric readiness

CRESCO, Iowa - Regional Health Services of Howard County (RHSHC) in Cresco is the fourth hospital in Iowa to be recognized for readiness to provide emergency care for children through the state's new Iowa Pediatric Emergency Assessment and Care (IPEAC) Recognition Program, the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) announced last week. IPEAC is a new offering designed by the Iowa HHS Emergency Medical Services for Children program. IPEAC recognizes the work of hospitals of all sizes to ensure each is prepared to provide initial stabilization, treatment and any needed transfers to definitive care for ill and injured children in Iowa. "IPEAC focuses on support, encouragement, and resource sharing to help raise the bar for pediatric care in all Iowa hospitals," said Margot McComas, chief of Iowa HHS's Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services. "We are so proud of Regional Health Services of Howard County's work in pediatric care. This recognition really demonstrates that hospitals of all sizes can achieve the program goals and provide quality emergency care for children." RHSHC is a 19-bed hospital in Cresco, Iowa. Participation in the IPEAC program was recently offered to all 117 Iowa hospitals after a pilot program last fall. To be recognized, hospitals must complete an application that includes requirements for equipment, training, and support of pediatric patients and their families. Evaluation of applicants includes a site visit to the hospital. "We are proud to be the fourth hospital in the state to receive this recognition," Jamie Heisler, Senior Director of Nursing. "It really underscores our work to care for patients of all ages. We are grateful for the support provided by this new program, which will help to ensure that Iowa's health care facilities are ready and able to provide the best emergency help for children." Iowa Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) is a program of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services. IPEAC and EMSC are funded by a federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration.