Harvey E. Najim Children’s Emergency Department – University Health Women’s & Children’s Hospital

San Antonio, Texas

The Harvey E. Najim Children’s Emergency Department at the University Health Women’s & Children’s Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, is a 15-bed pediatric emergency department and Level I ACS verified pediatric trauma center that treats more than 20,000 patients annually. The hospital is the first in the region dedicated exclusively to the unique needs of women and children. Services include the children’s emergency department, a 24/7 women’s center, a Level IV NICU, Level IV maternity center and dedicated units equipped with the technology and specialized teams needed to care for the most complex medical needs.

University Health’s accomplishments include being the region’s only Level 1 Trauma Center for adults and children, three-time Magnet designation, Comprehensive Stroke Center, and 2024 U.S News & World Report High Performing in Maternity Care.

The pediatric ED team’s initiatives to decrease delays in care included implementing standing delegated orders, incorporating postpartum depression screening for mothers who bring in their infants, implementing two-nurse verification on patient weights and decreasing blood culture contamination rates. The organization has also worked to respond to patient and visitor violence. The department is honored to be recognized by the Emergency Nurses Association as a Lantern Award recipient.