Inova Loudoun Children’s ER receives prestigious Lantern Award

Setting the Bar High for Kids’ Care and Garnering Praise from Local Dad

Inova is dedicated to providing exceptional care — right down to the youngest of patients. A great example is the Children’s Emergency Room (ER) at Inova Loudoun Hospital, a separate, kid-friendly emergency department designed to serve and accommodate kids’ special needs.

The facility features advanced medical equipment sized for children, rooms with TVs and gaming consoles, and a world-class specially trained pediatric staff.

As proof, the Children’s ER received the prestigious 2016 Lantern Award from the Emergency Nurses Association. This award is given to ERs across the country that exemplify exceptional practice and innovative performance in the core areas of leadership, practice, education, advocacy and research.

“This award demonstrates excellence in emergency nursing, but also the collaboration and teamwork with our emergency physicians, as well as our commitment and partnership with our community,” says April Brown, Director of Emergency Services.

Ryan Dunham knows the Children’s ER well. Ryan’s son, Aidan, received continuous care there after he was born at Inova Loudoun Ladies Board Birthing Inn in October 2011. Aidan, 5, has the rare condition Eagle-Barrett, commonly referred to as prune belly syndrome. This can cause bladder and urinary tract issues, as well as poorly developed abdominal muscles. Aidan has visited the Children’s ER for urinary tract infections and gastrointestinal problems.

“We love the care they give us there,” Ryan says. “The first time we visited was for a UTI five months after Aidan was born, and he was still in a cast after having hip surgery. The people at the Emergency Room remembered us and knew who we were.”

Ryan adds that the staff is good at keeping Aidan calm during blood work, and is understanding when it comes to young patients. “The treatment is tailored,” he points out. “If we want to decline vitals or overnight treatments so Aidan can get some rest, they’re very understanding. If they do need to come in, they are quiet and do it with as little disturbance as possible.”

Fortunately, Aidan received a kidney transplant in May 2016 and no longer needs frequent visits to the Children’s ER. But Ryan and his wife, Lindsey, still have nothing but praise for the department and its staff. “It’s our preferred place,” Ryan notes.

Learn more about Inova Loudoun’s Children’s Emergency Room.