Check-In Desk
When you arrive, you’ll enter a kid-friendly waiting area. A team member will check you in and gather your child’s basic information, medical history and symptoms.
Pediatric Emergency Room
From the moment you arrive in the pediatric emergency department, your child will be in expert hands. OSF HealthCare Children’s Hospital of Illinois is home to the only Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center in downstate Illinois.
Our 24-hour pediatric emergency room is designed for kids and families, with private, kid-friendly rooms and board-certified pediatric emergency providers.
What to Expect During Your Visit
Waiting Room
Patients are treated based on the urgency of their condition, so wait times can vary. Our team will keep your child comfortable and continue to monitor their condition while you wait.
Triage
A triage nurse will assess your child’s condition, checking your child’s temperature, blood pressure and oxygen levels to decide when the provider will see them. We may offer pain relief or breathing treatments, if needed.
Exam Room
A pediatric emergency provider will examine your child and may order tests like blood work or X-rays. Specialists, including child life experts, may also assist in your child’s care.
Urgent Care vs Emergency Room
If your child is sick or injured, knowing where to seek care can be difficult. Urgent care can treat non-life-threatening issues with extended hours and 24/7 virtual visits. For more severe symptoms, the emergency department is the best choice.
Choose the Right Level of CareWhy Choose Us for Emergency Care
At OSF Children’s Hospital, your child will receive expert, specialized emergency care from a team of pediatric professionals who are ready for any situation.
Specially Trained Care Team
Your child will be cared for by a team of nurses, advanced practice providers and board-certified physicians who are specially trained in pediatric emergency care. They’ll offer emotional support to ensure your child feels comforted and safe throughout their care.
State Designations
The pediatric emergency department at OSF Children’s Hospital is downstate Illinois' first Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, the highest designation available. Your child will receive top-quality care from board-certified providers who are trained to handle every emergency.
Pediatric Readiness
A pediatric readiness score measures how well an emergency department is prepared to care for kids in emergencies. This means your child will receive expert, high-quality care when it matters most. OSF Children’s Hospital has a pediatric readiness score of 96—far above the national average of 88 for similar-sized hospitals and well above the overall hospital average of 65.
Child Life Services
Being in the hospital can make your child feel nervous. Our child life specialists are here to support your entire family and can help your child know what to expect before procedures, distract them through medical play and more.
Explore Child Life Services 
In the spirit of Christ and the example of Francis of Assisi, the Mission of OSF HealthCare is to serve persons with the greatest care and love in a community that celebrates the Gift of Life.