Children’s National Hospital
Pediatric Partners with Mary Washington Healthcare
To provide the very best practice care delivery and services, Mary Washington
Healthcare partners with Children's National Hospital, one of the
nation’s top ranked pediatric hospitals. The pediatric and newborn
units at Mary Washington and Stafford Hospitals are staffed by physicians
from Children's National Hospital.
If your child is sick enough to stay overnight in the hospital, they may
be admitted to the Pediatric Unit at Mary Washington Hospital. This 10-bed
unit is 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.
Children’s National pediatric hospitalists, led by medical director
Dr. Allison Markowsky, are available on site 24 hours a day, 7 days a
week at both Mary Washington Hospital and Stafford Hospital. Pediatric
hospitalists are board-certified pediatric doctors who provide care for
children—ranging from infants to adolescents—who have been
hospitalized. They provide care for newborn and pediatric patients as
well as consultation support for the emergency department. Community physicians
can directly admit patients to the pediatric inpatient unit from their
office or through the emergency department. If your child’s condition
is critical or needs advanced subspecialty support, the team will help
arrange transport to the closest children’s hospital.
Please call MWHC Health Link at
540.741.1404 to learn more about the services we provide or to find a pediatrician.
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 healthcare 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.
Find more information at
Diabetes.mwhc.com.
Please call MWHC Health Link at
540.741.1404 to learn more about the services we provide or to find a pediatrician.