News

Critically ill infants and children in Iredell County and surrounding areas now have improved access to advanced medical care, thanks to a joint venture between Iredell Health System and Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center. A specially equipped ambulance is stationed at Iredell Memorial Hospital, ready to provide transport to Brenner Children's Hospital in Winston-Salem for those pediatric patients who need it.

"We are extremely excited to have the Brenner Neonate and Pediatric Critical Transport truck and team on site at Iredell Memorial Hospital," said Becky Quate, D.N.P., RN, Vice President of Nursing and Patient Services at Iredell Health System. "Research indicates that centrally locating transport services increases survival rates as well as allowing patients to receive the care they need in a timely manner."

Brenner Children's Hospital, part of Wake Forest Baptist, is the only Level I pediatric trauma center in the western region of the state and one of only three in North Carolina. A highly trained transport team from Brenner Children's is stationed at Iredell Memorial Hospital seven days a week during peak times for hospital transfers, between 11 a.m. and 11 p.m. The team consists of a registered nurse, a respiratory therapist and an EMT from Brenner Children's. They are able to perform advanced therapies on the ambulance if needed, including intubation or chest tube placement.

"In the event a newborn or critically ill or injured child requires a level of care only available at Brenner Children's Hospital, having a specially equipped ground transportation truck located at Iredell Memorial will ensure a timely and efficient transfer for children located in the western portion of our referral region," said Alisa Starbuck, D.N.P., Vice President, Women's and Children's Health Services, and executive director at Brenner Children's. "In addition, the team also may be requested prior to delivery for high-risk newborns."

This partnership will allow Iredell Memorial Hospital to reduce wait times and to continue to ensure excellent care for critical pediatric patients.

"Partnering with Brenner Children's Hospital allows Iredell Health System to demonstrate our core values of collaboration and compassion, furthering our mission to Inspire Wellbeing —Together," said Quate. "The accessibility of the transport team and truck to our surrounding communities will ensure that our children receive the care they deserve."