Thank you for trusting the Children’s Emergency Center (CEC) at Greenville Memorial Hospital with your child’s care. This visit probably is unexpected, so you and your child may be anxious. Our goal is for both of you to feel cared for while we address your concerns.
We understand that waiting is difficult. Please know that we will do our best to meet your child’s medical needs as quickly as possible. Thank you for your patience. Every patient is unique and requires a personalized plan of care. Below are the general steps that you and your child will take during your visit.
The Children’s Emergency Center (CEC) is the Upstate’s only emergency care facility specifically for children.
After arriving, you and your child will be seated in a waiting room until a nurse calls you into a private exam area. (All our nurses are specially trained in pediatrics.)
While you are in the lobby or treatment area, someone from Patient Access/Registration will get your personal and insurance information. Note: You do NOT need medical insurance or any kind of payment to visit the CEC.
During your wait, please do not give your child anything to eat or drink until he or she has been seen by a medical provider and you have been told it is all right to do so.
We know as a caregiver, you are concerned about your child’s condition. We are, too, and we will do everything we can to see each child as quickly as possible. To provide the best care to all of our patients, we may see children out of the order they arrived based on the needs of each child. Many patients do not arrive through the waiting room, but come by ambulance or helicopter.
During some hours, child life specialists are available to provide education and comfort to your child and family members. They can help explain procedures or provide activities for your child during his or her visit. Ask a team member for more information.
You will get written instructions from the physician and care team. Be sure you understand and follow these instructions. Please ask a member of the care team if you have any questions.
If the care team decides your child should stay at the hospital, the care team will notify you regarding your child’s plan of care and will keep you updated throughout the process. If the hospital is full, there may be a wait to get to a room. Your care team will continue to take of you and make you comfortable.
After your visit, you may receive a survey in the mail or by email. We would love to hear from you about what we did well and where we can improve. If there is a member of your child’s treatment team you would like to recognize for providing great care, please contact a team member before you leave.