Myrtue Medical Center Receives State Recognition for Pediatric Readiness

Myrtue Medical Center is the eighth hospital in Iowa to be recognized for readiness to provide emergency care for children through the Iowa Department of Health and Human Services (Iowa HHS) EMS for Children program’s new Iowa Pediatric Emergency Assessment and Care (IPEAC) Recognition Program, the hospital announced today.

IPEAC was designed and launched in 2023 by the Iowa Emergency Medical Services for Children program. It recognizes the work of hospitals of all sizes to ensure each is prepared to provide initial stabilization, treatment and any needed transfers to definitive care for ill and injured children in Iowa.

“IPEAC focuses on support, encouragement and resource sharing to help raise the bar for pediatric care in all Iowa hospitals,” said Margot McComas, chief of Iowa HHS’s Bureau of Emergency Medical and Trauma Services. “We are so proud of Myrtue Medical Center’s work in pediatric care. This recognition really demonstrates that hospitals of all sizes can achieve the program goals and provide quality emergency care for children.”

Myrtue Medical Center is a 25-bed hospital located in Harlan, Iowa. Participation in the IPEAC program has been offered to all 117 Iowa hospitals after a pilot program in late 2022. To be recognized, hospitals must complete an application that includes requirements for equipment, training and support of pediatric patients and their families. Evaluation of applicants includes a site visit to the hospital.

“We are proud to receive this recognition,” said Dr. Sarah Devine, MD, Pediatric Medical Director. “We have a dedicated Pediatric Emergency Care Coordinator committed to providing the best emergency care for children.”

”Myrtue Medical Center’s Emergency Department is grateful for the support we receive facility- and community-wide,” said Jenny Lefeber, Myrtue’s Emergency Department Manager. “This enables us to provide experienced and safe care to pediatric patients.”