UH Rainbow Surgical Quality
At University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital’s Division of Pediatric Surgery, quality of care is at the forefront of what we do. From our designation as a Level I Surgical Center to our ongoing commitment to enhanced surgical recovery and improved outcomes, we strive every day to provide exceptional, compassionate surgical services for children and their families.
Level I Children’s Surgical Center Designation
University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital is designated as a Level I Children’s Surgical Center by the American College of Surgeons (ACS), representing the highest standard of pediatric surgical care. This prestigious designation is awarded to hospitals that meet rigorous criteria across a broad range of areas. It affirms UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s exceptional commitment to quality, safety and comprehensive surgical care for children.
Why Choose a Level I Surgery Center for Your Child’s Surgery?
When a child needs surgery, choosing an ACS-verified Level I Children’s Surgical Center gives families confidence that their child is receiving care in one of the safest, most capable environments available. This designation is a promise of excellence, accountability and compassion in pediatric surgical care.
- 24/7 Comprehensive Surgical Capabilities
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A Level I surgical center must offer immediate availability of pediatric surgical specialists, anesthesiologists, emergency medicine physicians, and intensivists at all times. This ensures that children receive the right care, regardless of when they arrive.
- Specialized Pediatric Expertise
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These centers employ teams of highly trained professionals who specialize in pediatric-specific surgical care. From preoperative assessment to postoperative recovery, care is tailored to the unique needs of infants, children and adolescents.
- State-of-the-Art Facilities
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Level I centers are equipped with dedicated pediatric operating rooms, intensive care units, and recovery areas, all designed to optimize outcomes and reduce stress for young patients and their families.
- Commitment to Quality and Safety
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Hospitals must participate in ongoing performance improvement and patient safety programs, often using data from the ACS National Surgical Quality Improvement Program – Pediatric (NSQIP-P) to identify areas for enhancement and to benchmark against national standards.
- Research and Education
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Level I centers contribute to the advancement of pediatric surgery by supporting clinical research, surgical innovation, and education for medical students, residents, fellows, and staff. This ensures continual growth and incorporation of best practices.
- Family-Centered Care and Support Services
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These centers provide comprehensive support services, including child life specialists, social workers, and family education programs, recognizing that healing involves both the child and their family.
- Verification and Oversight
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The ACS verifies these centers through a detailed site visit and documentation review. This process assures patients and families that the facility consistently meets or exceeds nationally recognized standards.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS)
A Pediatric Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) program represents a cutting-edge, evidence-based approach to pediatric surgical care that improves outcomes, reduces complications and supports faster, safer recoveries for children undergoing surgery. Originally developed for adults, ERAS protocols have been adapted and tailored specifically to the unique physiological and emotional needs of pediatric patients.
How ERAS Improves Care and Outcomes
Surgery is a major event for any child and their family. A Pediatric ERAS program transforms that experience by promoting faster healing, less pain, fewer complications and greater overall satisfaction. It reflects a deep commitment to innovation, safety and child-centered care. Implementing ERAS is not just about improving recovery – it’s about redefining “excellence” in pediatric surgery.
Evidence-Based, Multidisciplinary Approach
Pediatric ERAS spans the entire surgical journey. It brings together pediatric surgeons, anesthesiologists, nurses, nutritionists, child life specialists and other experts to create a care plan that enhances recovery.
Faster Recovery with Fewer Complications
ERAS programs help children recover more quickly, experience less pain and have shorter hospital stays without increasing complications or readmissions.
Opioid-Sparing Pain Management
ERAS protocols prioritize non-opioid medications and techniques for pain control, which helps reduce the risk of opioid-related side effects and long-term dependence.
Reduced Stress and Anxiety for Patients and Families
ERAS emphasizes preoperative education, family engagement and child-friendly preparation, which helps reduce anxiety and fear for children and their caregivers. When families are involved and informed, outcomes improve.
Improved Nutrition and Gut Function
Traditional practices often kept patients fasting for extended periods. ERAS encourages early eating and drinking before and soon after surgery, which supports better healing, reduced nausea and faster return to normal activity.
Consistent, High-Quality Care
Pediatric ERAS standardizes best practices across surgical teams, ensuring every child receives the safest, most up-to-date care regardless of who is providing it.
Data-Driven Improvement
ERAS programs continuously collect data to identify opportunities for improvement and refine protocols over time. This focus on quality improvement makes the program dynamic and responsive.