Loring Hospital Receives State Recognition for Pediatric Readiness

The Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) recently announced Loring Hospital as the twelfth hospital in Iowa to be recognized for readiness to provide emergency care for children through the state’s new Iowa Pediatric Emergency Assessment and Care (IPEAC) Recognition Program.

IPEAC was designed and launched in 2023 by the Iowa Emergency Medical Services for Children program. It recognizes the work of hospitals of all sizes to ensure each is prepared to provide initial stabilization, treatment and any needed transfers to definitive care for ill and injured children in Iowa.

“IPEAC focuses on support, encouragement and resource sharing to help raise the bar for pediatric care in all Iowa hospitals,” said Margot McComas, chief of Iowa HHS’s Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services. “We are so proud of Loring Hospital’s work in pediatric care. This recognition really demonstrates that hospitals of all sizes can achieve the program goals and provide quality emergency care for children.”

Participation in the IPEAC program has been offered to all Iowa hospitals after a pilot program in late 2022. To be recognized, hospitals must complete an application that includes requirements for equipment, training and support of pediatric patients and their families. Evaluation of applicants includes a site visit to the hospital.

“We are proud to be the twelfth hospital in the state to receive this recognition,” said Stephanie Springer, emergency department supervisor at Loring Hospital. “As a critical access hospital in a small community, we have the unique opportunity to care for our own friends and family. It’s an honor to be able to lead a department that takes caring for our community so seriously by preparing for any pediatric emergency that may come into our facility.” 

Iowa Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) is a program of the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services B­ureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services. IPEAC and EMSC are funded by a federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration.

 “This program has given us the chance to highlight our achievements in preparation for caring for the pediatric population in emergent situations,” added Springer, who spearheaded the recognition.