Pediatric care in Anchorage, Alaska
When your little one needs medical care, we're here for your family.
At Alaska Regional Hospital, our children's unit provides care for newborns to teens up to 17 years old. We're home to a highly specialized pediatric medical team, including physicians, pediatric subspecialists, nurses and support staff.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your child's symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your child's symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Features of our pediatric care program
At our children's unit, we provide advanced treatment methods and family-centered expertise. This care model recognizes the importance of your participation during your child's medical journey.
Pediatric services we offer
We offer a variety of services, depending on your child's needs. These may include:
- Case management and social service program
- Child life services
- Lactation consulting services
- Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
- Pastoral care services
- Pediatric life support services
- Pediatric surgery program
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Respiratory therapy and pulmonary care services
- Treatment program for babies with neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS)
We also provide a variety of amenities so that you and your child can have a comfortable experience with us. Amenities include:
- 24/7 care team, including pediatric physicians
- Alaskan animal-themed rooms
- Private rooms with sleep accommodations at the bedside for parents and guardians
- Rooms and equipment designed to meet the size-specific needs of children
- Safe and secure nursing station that is central to the unit, so rooms are child-safe
- Visitors' check-in at the nurse's station before entering the locked unit
Neonatal evaluation and support (NEST) program
NAS occurs when a pregnant woman takes narcotics, alcohol or nicotine during pregnancy. Substance use during pregnancy can cause addiction in the mother which causes addiction in the unborn child. When the newborn is no longer exposed to drugs after birth, the result is withdrawal symptoms, including high-pitched crying, sleep problems and convulsions.
Our NEST program offers medical management of a baby's withdrawal symptoms. NEST is a part of our substance abuse program, with the goal to help affected families recover in an open and non-shaming environment where respect, honesty and diversity are highly valued.
Neonatal intensive care unit (NICU)
Our NICU was specially created for the care of sick newborns and premature infants. When a baby is born with medical problems, or if complications arise during delivery, the baby is immediately moved to the NICU from our labor and delivery unit. Here, we are able to care for newborns as young as 32 weeks gestation and older. Our neonatal team includes neonatologists, nurse practitioners, medical specialists and support staff with special training to care for sick infants.
Our pediatric care team
Our team works together to ensure that your child's needs are met. We anticipate needs and questions, and invite you to ask us anything, at any time.
Your child's team members may include:
- Board-certified physicians
- Chaplains
- Dietitians
- Pediatric registered nurses
- Pediatric subspecialists
- Pharmacists
- Psychologists
Preparing for your child's hospital stay
We encourage you to talk to your child in advance of their stay and explain the reasons for hospitalization in terms they can understand. Once your child arrives, we'll do what we can to make sure they have a calm visit. Parents are welcome to stay with their child for most of the duration of their visit, and our compassionate nurses will help make the stay less overwhelming.
What to expect
To stay connected to your family and home, we encourage your child to to bring any of the following items that may make their stay more comfortable:
- A few books or activities to help pass the time
- Bathrobe and slippers to wear over their hospital pajamas
- Favorite stuffed animal or blanket
We provide overnight accommodations for one parent. If you choose to stay with your child, please bring toiletries, clothes and other essentials. If other family members want to stay in the area, a social worker can provide information on local lodging and help you make arrangements. We also supply an age-appropriate selection of books, toys and digital games for your child.
To stay connected to your family and home, we encourage your child to to bring any of the following items that may make their stay more comfortable:
- A few books or activities to help pass the time
- Bathrobe and slippers to wear over their hospital pajamas
- Favorite stuffed animal or blanket
We provide overnight accommodations for one parent. If you choose to stay with your child, please bring toiletries, clothes and other essentials. If other family members want to stay in the area, a social worker can provide information on local lodging and help you make arrangements. We also supply an age-appropriate selection of books, toys and digital games for your child.