OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital Recognized as a Pediatric Ready Facility by Ohio EMSC

OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital Recognized as a Pediatric Ready Facility by Ohio EMSC

Key takeaways

• The Emergency Department at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital has earned Pediatric Ready Facility Recognition from the Ohio Emergency Medical Services for Children State Partnership Program.
• The recognition reflects pediatric-focused preparation involving policies, equipment, staff training, patient-safety practices, disaster planning and continuous quality improvement.
• Pediatric Ready recognition is valid for three years and represents an ongoing commitment to maintaining readiness for children who need emergency care.

The emergency department at OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital has been recognized as a Pediatric Ready Facility by the Ohio Emergency Medical Services for Children State Partnership Program, also known as Ohio EMSC. The recognition reflects the hospital's alignment with national pediatric emergency care standards and its commitment to providing timely, safe and appropriate care for children and families. Riverside Methodist officially received the recognition in July 2026.

Children have distinct medical and emotional needs during an emergency. Being Pediatric Ready means an emergency department has prepared in advance with pediatric-focused policies and procedures, appropriately sized equipment and supplies, staff training and competencies specific to children, patient-safety practices, disaster plans that address pediatric needs and ongoing quality-improvement efforts.

"This recognition reflects the dedication of our entire emergency department team and the intentional work that goes into being ready for children," said Cyndole Messer, BSN, RN, ED Clinical Nurse Manager, OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital. "Our physicians, nurses and support teams worked together to strengthen our pediatric processes, participate in simulations and evaluate how we respond to the unique needs of children and their families. Pediatric Readiness is something we will continue to build upon every day."

"Providing high-quality emergency care for children requires preparation long before a child arrives in the emergency department," said Brad Raetzke, MD, Assistant Medical Director, OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital Emergency Department. "This recognition reflects our commitment to maintaining the training, resources and clinical expertise needed to care for pediatric patients safely and effectively whenever they need us."

Achieving Pediatric Ready Recognition is the result of coordinated work among emergency physicians, advanced practice providers, nurses, support staff and Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinators. Eligible hospitals participate voluntarily by submitting required materials, completing a structured review and taking part in an onsite or virtual verification visit. Ohio EMSC provides guidance and technical assistance throughout the process.

Most children who require emergency treatment receive that care in community hospital emergency departments. Pediatric Readiness standards are intended to help those departments maintain the people, processes and equipment needed to care for children safely and effectively.

"Families should feel confident that when they come to Riverside during an emergency, our teams have taken purposeful steps to prepare for pediatric patients," said Rob Cercek, president, OhioHealth Riverside Methodist Hospital. "This recognition speaks to our associates' commitment to safety, teamwork and continuous improvement. It also reinforces our responsibility to provide children and families with compassionate care during moments when they need us most."

The standards supporting the recognition draw on national initiatives, including the National Pediatric Readiness Project and the Joint Policy Statement on Pediatric Readiness in the emergency department. They address pediatric-specific policies, appropriately sized supplies and equipment, staff competencies, patient safety, disaster preparedness and quality-improvement processes.

Pediatric Ready Recognition remains valid for three years. During that period, Riverside Methodist will continue its focus on pediatric training, evaluation, equipment, policies and quality improvement.