Despite a recent Facebook post by Associated Pediatrics, Northwest Health – Porter isn’t limiting admissions to its pediatrics unit.
“Northwest Health – Porter’s pediatric unit remains open and available to care for our young patients, with no age limits,” interim CEO Dr. Thomas Rohs said.
That follows a post by Associated Pediatrics that said, “Northwest Health – Porter has announced the closure of its pediatric unit to all patients except for newborns under 15 days of age.”
The post said Associated Pediatrics patients older than 15 days could be admitted to other area hospitals as well as to children’s hospitals in South Bend, Indianapolis and Chicago.
A hospital spokesperson said the decision about not admitting children to Northwest Health – Porter was by Associated Pediatrics, not the hospital.
“The Northwest Health – Porter medical staff has surgeons and other specialists who will remain available to admit and care for young patients of all ages,” the spokesperson said. “Our pediatric-trained nurses on the peds unit are here around the clock, and our ERs are always ready to take care of children experiencing emergencies.”
The Associated Pediatrics post said, “While the need for hospitalization among our patients remains low – due in large part to our proactive approach to pediatric wellness – we understand the importance of having accessible inpatient pediatric care.”
Doug Ross is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.