Being launched in December 2019, the Pediatric Observation Unit is considered the latest medical service at Caritas Baby Hospital. It is also the first of its kind in Palestine.
Observation units have evolved as a safe alternative to hospitalization, and their necessity arises from the fact that children are unable to communicate their symptoms; hence, the initial evaluation is unclear, and paediatric observation services allow for time to determine the need for hospitalization. Services provided at the POU can be applied to patients whose diagnosis, treatment, stabilization, and discharge can reasonably be expected within 24 hours.
The most common clinical diseases treated at the POU are respiratory diseases such as asthma, laryngitis, and croup, mild infections including mild gastroenteritis, enteritis, and dehydration, in addition to seizures.
Admission to the POU entails fast, easy and safe procedures. The unit offers sufficient medical and paramedical staff who observe children for a period prior to determining their illness or immediately admitting them to hospital, and ensure their least exposure to nosocomial infections.