As part of the multi-phase Emergency Department renovation, Mount Sinai Hospital sought to upgrade and expand the existing Pediatric Emergency Department to serve its growing population. The Pediatric ED is accessed directly from the walk-in patient waiting room, eliminating pediatric patient foot traffic in the adult ED. A mix of treatment spaces accommodate patients of different acuity levels. Vertical patient treatment spaces for low acuity patients are situated close to the entrance, while open bays and closed rooms are provided for higher acuity patients. A separate entrance to the back of the Pediatric ED is adjacent to the ambulance drop-off and high acuity treatment spaces. A larger “family treatment room” is provided in the event that multiple pediatric patients in the same family need care.

The Pediatric ED Clinical Team also prioritized the need for a comfortable, private room to treat behavioral health patients. The design focused on creating a low-stimuli space with anti-ligature measures to treat this patient population safely and respectfully.

Patients from ages 0 to 21 are treated in the pediatric ED, therefore the interior design needed to reflect to this wide age range. Designers sought to create a space that is engaging and welcoming to all ages without being too childish. The resulting interior features nature-inspired images with pops of color and positive distractions.