One System, Multiple Hospitals: A Unified Paediatric Healthcare System Response to the COVID-19 Pandemic

Area of Science:

• Healthcare Management
• Public Health
• Pediatric Medicine

Background:

• Severe adult in-patient capacity challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• Mandatory closure of 15 community hospital in-patient pediatric units (167 beds).

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the system-wide impact of consolidating pediatric inpatient care during a pandemic.
• To assess the feasibility of increasing adult bed capacity through pediatric unit closures.

Main Methods:

• Transfer of all pediatric in-patients from 15 community hospitals to a single tertiary pediatric hospital.
• Activation of surge plans at the tertiary hospital to accommodate increased bed capacity.
• Redeployment of resources in community hospitals to address adult care needs.
• Transfer of 530 patients to increase adult bed capacity.

Main Results:

• Successful consolidation of pediatric care at a tertiary center.
• Significant increase in adult in-patient capacity, estimated at 6,740 bed days.
• Demonstrated collaborative, system-wide approach to healthcare provision.

Conclusions:

• The mandated closure of community pediatric units and centralization of care was a viable strategy during a pandemic.
• This model facilitated integrated pediatric care and enhanced regional adult bed capacity.
• Collaborative efforts were crucial for the successful implementation of this system-wide approach.