Pediatric services: Compassionate care for your sick or injured child
If your child is experiencing a medical emergency, immediately call 9-1-1.
Our dedicated, kid-friendly, in-patient acute care program is designed to meet children's special needs in a calming environment. Whether it's life's little accidents or common childhood illnesses, our focus is on helping your child heal quickly with the right medical care and emotional support, providing you with the confidence and security you need during this challenging time.
Tailored care for life's little accidents
At The Children’s Place, we’re prepared to handle everything from minor injuries to more complex medical issues. Did your vibrant ballerina plie and fall into the fireplace? Has illness slowed down your football player? We’ve got you covered. Our specialized care ensures that your child receives the treatment they need in a space where they feel relaxed and protected. Our acute care services are tailored for children of all ages for injuries, illnesses and more. You can have peace of mind that your child is in the best hands for their swift road to recovery.
Kid-friendly features to ease anxiety
At The Children's Place, we’ve thoughtfully designed every detail to ensure that your child feels comfortable and at ease during their stay. Our vibrant Starlight/Starbright Toys 'R Us ® playroom offers a fun, welcoming environment for them to explore. Our highly trained pediatric care staff ensures your child receives the best possible attention. Our strategy is to minimize anxiety for your child so they can entirely focus on healing – while having fun.
Why choose The Children’s Place?
The Children's Place at Candler Hospital offers more than just medical treatment — it’s a nurturing, child-centered environment where your child can heal and thrive. You and your child will be welcomed with superior care from the moment you arrive, supported by a specialized pediatric team available 24/7. Equipped with state-of-the-art technology tailored to children's unique medical needs, we are dedicated to providing the highest quality care. Our focus on comfort and a family-friendly atmosphere ensures that both you and your child receive the support you need every step of the way. Rest assured, your child is in the hands of the best.
Rest assured in The Ronald McDonald Family Room
When your child is sick, it affects your entire family, and the world comes to a screeching halt. To help the families of our youngest patients, St. Joseph's/Candler has teamed up with Ronald McDonald Family Room House Charities of the Coastal Empire to create an area within the hospital where parents can take a break, have a light snack and a drink, update other family members on our computer or even wash some laundry. For families with other small children, napping areas and a playroom are available.
Whether your child's hospital stay is long or short, the Ronald McDonald Family Room on the Candler Hospital campus brings comfort and care to the whole family - when you need it the most. Take care of your basic needs and enjoy some relief while we work around the clock to care intentionally and exceptionally for your child.
Please ask your nurse for a pass card to access the Ronald McDonald Family Room, located on the fourth floor of the LifeCare Center. For availability, call 912-819-6454.
Frequently Asked Questions
When should I be concerned about my child's fever?
If your child's fever remains over 101°F and cannot be reduced by Tylenol or Motrin, notify your physician. You should seek immediate medical attention if you see these symptoms:
- Persists for 48 hours or longer.
- If your child is showing signs of lethargy, extreme irritability, or difficulty waking up.
- There are other symptoms like trouble breathing, persistent cough, a rash, severe vomiting, or a stiff neck.
- Your child has severe vomiting or diarrhea that prevents them from staying hydrated.
- Your child is under three months old and has a fever over 100.4° F.
Trust your instincts as a parent — if something doesn’t seem right, don’t hesitate to consult a doctor or seek emergency services.
How can I get my child to drink fluids?
Encouraging your child to drink fluids can be challenging, especially if they feel unwell—offer flavored drinks, diluted juice, or even electrolyte solutions that are tasty and hydrating. Popsicles, cold drinks, and smoothies can help soothe a sore throat and keep them hydrated. Ice chips or small sips of water every few minutes can also help. Remember, hydration is vital to recovery, so try to make drinking fluids a fun or relaxing experience, perhaps by using special cups or letting them choose their drink.
How do I know if my child is dehydrated?
Signs of dehydration in children can be subtle initially, but it is important to catch them early. Look for fewer wet diapers or trips to the bathroom than usual, as well as dark urine with a strong odor. Your child's mouth and lips may appear dry, and they might seem overly thirsty or tired. In more severe cases, they might be irritable, have sunken eyes, or cry without producing tears. If you notice these signs, increasing your fluid intake and seeking medical advice if symptoms persist are crucial.
What is a seizure? How do I know if my child is having a seizure?
A seizure is a sudden surge of electrical activity in the brain, often leading to uncontrollable shaking or jerking movements, especially in the arms and legs. In children, the most common cause of seizures is high fever, known as febrile seizures. During a seizure, your child may be unresponsive and their body may stiffen or convulse. While febrile seizures can be alarming, they are generally not harmful, but you should always inform your doctor after any seizure to rule out other causes and ensure proper care.
If your child experiences uncontrollable shaking or jerking movements and does not respond to your voice or touch, they may be having a seizure. Other signs can include stiffening of the body, loss of consciousness, or their eyes rolling back. Seizures can be frightening, but they often only last a minute or two.
If the seizure lasts longer than five minutes or your child has trouble breathing – do not use restraints. Call 911 immediately. Always follow up with a doctor to ensure no underlying issues are causing the seizure.
What should I do if my child is having a seizure?
If your child is having a seizure related to a fever, try lowering their temperature with fever-reducing medications or a lukewarm bath after the seizure ends. While the seizure is happening, place your child on their side to prevent choking and protect their airway. Please do not put anything in their mouth or attempt to restrain them. Move any nearby objects or furniture to avoid injury. Call 911 if the seizure lasts longer than five minutes if it is their first seizure, or if they have difficulty breathing after the seizure.
What are the signs of choking?
If your child is choking, they may cough forcefully and make noises, which means they are still able to move air. Encourage them to keep coughing to dislodge the obstruction. If they are gasping for air, turning blue, or cannot make any sound, it means the airway is completely blocked. Call 911 immediately and, if you are trained, perform the abdominal thrust (Heimlich maneuver). Act quickly but calmly and keep the child as calm as possible while you help is crucial.
What should I do if I think my child has swallowed a poisonous substance?
If you suspect your child has swallowed something poisonous, remain calm and call 911 or your local poison control center at (800) 222-1222 immediately for guidance. Try to determine what they ingested and how much, but do not induce vomiting unless instructed to do so. Keep the container or packaging of the substance on hand for reference when speaking to emergency personnel. Poison control experts are trained to guide you through the next steps to ensure your child gets the proper care.
Should I be concerned if my child wets the bed?
Bed-wetting is common in children under six years old, and many kids outgrow it naturally between the ages of six and 10. It's usually not a cause for concern unless it continues past this age or is accompanied by other symptoms like pain or unusual thirst. Try to be patient and avoid punishing or shaming your child for bed-wetting, as it can often be linked to developmental stages or stress. If bed-wetting persists or becomes a new issue, talking to your pediatrician can help identify potential causes and solutions.