Children treated in the regional pediatric trauma and emergency center benefit from the life-saving differences provided by pediatric specialists, equipment sized for every child and facilities that ensure a comprehensive team approach to care. Dayton Children's designation as a Regional Pediatric Trauma Center ensures the region's children have access to the highest level of emergency care.

All inpatient areas are designed for the comfort of children and families in mind. Three west is the most recently renovated area and features numerous benefits including space for parents to sleep in a child's room; refrigerators, showers and PlayStation 2 in each room; open family kitchen; activity center for children; 34 patient rooms--75 percent are private. The aquatic-themed artwork was created by adult and children teams from the Dayton Visual Arts Center.

In medical imaging, the area's most sophisticated CT scanner offers the shortest scan times, most accurate imaging and lowest radiation exposure. Specialists used to working with children offer relaxation techniques such as blowing bubbles to help calm even the youngest children. This often eliminates the need for sedation. An onsite high-definition MRI and cardiovascular laboratory are also available to facilitate the diagnosis and treatment of children. Videos of key imaging tests help put children and families at ease.

Dayton Children's critical care complex is an area providing the highest level of care. This complex consists of the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) and a progressive care unit (PCU). The critical care complex is directed by a team of pediatric intensivists -- physicians specializing in critical care medicine. This area has also been recognized with a national design award.

For premature or sick newborns, the award-winning level III regional newborn intensive care unit (NICU) continues to be praised by families and the medical community for its innovative approach to caring for the tiniest patients. This combined with a soothing environment helps babies get well sooner and keeps health care costs down.

Babies are brought to Dayton Children's in specially equipped transport units. Enroute they are cared for by specialists trained in transporting sick newborns. If parents are unable to be with their babies, the Baby Love program provides volunteer grandparents to give babies in the NICU tender loving care. View our transport slide show.

Dayton Children's physicians not only direct inpatient care, they perform more than 12,000 surgeries each year and conduct 35 specialty clinics. Children treated in the pediatric trauma and emergency center benefit from the life-saving differences provided by pediatric specialists, equipment sized for every child and facilities that ensure a comprehensive team approach to care. Every surgery is peformed under the guidance of a pediatric anesthesiologist.

Dayton Children’s advanced surgery complex sets the standard for pediatric surgical care in the region. Performing more than 12,000 surgeries annually, advanced technology allows for minimally invasive surgery, which results in less scarring, quicker recovery times and shorter hospital stays. The day surgery area offers private rooms with DVDs and handheld computer games for the child and family. Dayton Children's is one of just a few hospitals in the country offering pet therapy for children before and after surgery.