Children’s National Health System
Pediatric Partners with Mary Washington Healthcare
To provide the very best practice care delivery and services, Mary Washington
Healthcare has partnered with Children's National Health System as
the healthcare providers for our region's children. The pediatric
units at Mary Washington and Stafford Hospitals are staffed by pediatric
hospitalists from Children's National Health System, one of the nation’s
top ranked pediatric hospitals. Our pediatric units are designed to make
children and their families feel secure and comfortable during times of
illness or injury.
Our experienced pediatric team knows how to deliver the gentle, attentive
care that hospitalized children need. Pediatric hospitalists have earned
their board certifications as pediatric doctors who provide care for children—ranging
from infants to adolescents—who have been hospitalized. Community
pediatricians may request that a Children’s National hospitalist
participate in the care of your child.
Allison Markowsky, MD serves as medical director of pediatric care at Mary
Washington Healthcare and the Children's National physicians. Children’s
National hospitalists care for patients in our pediatric inpatient unit,
neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and Newborn Nursery, and provide
consultation support for the emergency department 24 hours a day, 7 days
a week. Mary Washington Healthcare community physicians can direct admit
patients to the pediatric inpatient unit from their office or directly
through the emergency department.
Contact our team to learn more about Children’s National Health System
and the services we provide.
Neonatology Services in Fredericksburg & Stafford, Virginia
Getting the best start in life while staying close to home is now easier
than ever for infants born at Stafford and Mary Washington Hospital. All
newborns in Mary Washington Hospital’s Level III Neonatal Intensive
Care Unit (NICU) and Well-Baby Nursery will be cared for by Children’s
National neonatologists and hospitalists. Babies born to Stafford Hospital’s
well baby nursery and Level II Nursery have their 24-hour care coordinated
by Children’s National pediatric hospitalists. New parents will
be afforded greater peace of mind by being able to consult with these
physician specialists on their newborn’s condition and progress.
Support for Children with Type 1 Diabetes
Learning that your child has Type 1 diabetes can be a shock. Suddenly,
your world may seem to revolve around managing the condition. You may
feel overwhelmed and unsure of what you can do to help. With knowledge,
practice, and a supportive health care team, however, you can take care
of your child without diabetes taking over your lives.
Sound diabetes treatment is based on your child's blood sugar levels.
These levels should be tested several times a day. To do this, select
a reliable blood glucose meter that’s easy to use. Your child’s
health care provider may be able to offer advice on choosing and using
one. Your child also needs to receive insulin regularly. That may mean
your child will need several shots a day or will wear an external pump
round the clock. Learning to give injections or use a pump may seem daunting.
With practice and assistance from your child’s healthcare provider,
however, you—and eventually your child—can master either technique.
Other important aspects of diabetes care for your child include:
- A healthy menu
- Encouraging proper physical activity
- Watching out for hypoglycemia
- Carrying an appropriate snack at all types to treat hypoglycemia
Helping a child cope with a chronic illness, such as Type 1 diabetes, can
be stressful for all family members. Consult with your health care provider
if your child, your family, or you need additional support managing your
child's physical and emotional needs.
Kids for a Cure Club is a support group for children with Type 1 Diabetes and their parents
within the Children’s National Health System.