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 hospitals of 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.

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.

Physicians at Children’s National

Our Children’s National Health System team is compassionate and caring and dedicated to excellence in pediatric care. Allison Markowsky, MD serves as medical director of pediatric care at Mary Washington Healthcare and the Children's National physicians. Mary Washington Healthcare partners with Children’s National Health System to provide pediatric care at Stafford Hospital and Mary Washington Hospital. 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.