JUPITER, Fla. — Parents now have a new option to treat their children after a state-of-the art facility opened Friday in Jupiter.
The new Mastroianni Family Pediatric Emergency Department at Jupiter Medical Center will focus on newborns to 18 years old.
The idea came after doctors saw an increase of emergency visits.
"We had kids mixed in with adults, so now we are able to provide a state-of-the-art pediatric emergency department, specialized with equipment and clinically-trained staff for the kids and their families," said Jupiter Medical Center Co-Interim Chief Executive Officer Joanne Miller.
The staff will include specialists in general surgery, orthopedics and cardiology among other.
"All of our nurses and respiratory staff have all been trained in pediatrics, so it is very specialized care,” said Miller. "We have interactive toys, games and activities for the kids to help alleviate the fears."
"This is a game changer for children and families," said Liv Vesely, the president of the Jupiter Medical Center Foundation.
There will be a child life specialist who will use play therapy and other techniques to ease anxiety.
"It is the only dedicated pediatric emergency department basically between Melbourne and West Palm Beach. So, to have this in the community, it's going to be phenomenal in the sense that families can feel really assured they have a safe place to go," said Vesely.
The new center officially opened Friday at 7 a.m.