Advanced pediatric specialty care
Our pediatric specialists have the expertise and caring approach your child deserves.
Portsmouth Regional Hospital provides around-the-clock care for infants, children and teens through the age of 18. If your child needs to be admitted to the hospital, we offer a welcoming, family-centered atmosphere to support their stay.
Expert advice, available 24/7
Free health-related information is just a phone call away. Our nurses help you understand your 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 symptoms, treatment options and procedures. They will also help you find a provider or specialist and schedule an appointment.
Our pediatrics program
We provide you with access to the best possible medical care for your child from highly qualified, compassionate pediatric specialists.
Features of our pediatric care
In addition to treatment, you and your child may benefit from:
- Access to a wide range of pediatric specialists
- Collaborative working relationships with your pediatrician
- Emergency room (ER) equipped to meet child-specific needs
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation services through our Children's Rehabilitation Center, designed to help kids with disabilities maximize their developmental and functional life skills
- Skilled surgical care performed by individuals sensitive to the needs of children and parents
Pediatric ER
When your child has a medical emergency, our pediatric emergency department is ready to provide kid-friendly care. We work with you and your child to help them feel safe and cared for while keeping you informed about their condition and care options.
Pediatric rehabilitation
Our Children's Rehabilitation Center provides rehabilitative services, including occupational, physical and speech therapy. Our highly qualified experts work with your pediatrician and our specialists to help recover from illness and surgery on an inpatient and outpatient basis. We also provide support for children with developmental delays.
Preparing for your child's hospital stay
We know a hospital stay can be a difficult experience for your family. Our pediatric experts will do everything they can to help your child feel safe and secure. If your child is having surgery at our hospital, you can register online for their stay now to save time when you check in.
Before your child's hospital stay
You can help prepare your child by talking about what to expect in the hospital. Let them know you'll be with them whenever possible, and when you can't, they will always be cared for by a nurse or a doctor. Encourage your child to ask you and the medical team questions and tell them the team will be asking them questions, too.
Remind your child the hospital will have toys, games and age-appropriate books and videos. You can involve siblings in your discussion, so everyone has a chance to share concerns and questions. Make sure to share other information you know, such as when your child is coming home.
What to bring with you
Help your child choose what to pack, and encourage them to bring a favorite toy, picture or other item to bring them comfort. Include a bathrobe, slippers or socks and personal toiletries, such as a toothbrush, toothpaste and shampoo.
Bring a list of your child's current medications and their immunization record to the hospital with you. If you receive the patient history form in the mail, please complete it and bring with you as well. A healthcare provider will help you complete the form when you come to the hospital if you have difficulty answering any of the questions,
Going home
Preparing for your child's discharge from the hospital requires careful planning. The hospital staff will help you understand how to care for your child at home during recovery and help you obtain any additional services or equipment. For children weighing less than 40 pounds, a car seat is required by law.
Visiting a child in the hospital
Learn about our visitation rules for you and your loved ones during your child's hospital stay.
Our visitation guidelines
As parents and guardians, you're welcome to visit your child 24/7. You're also encouraged to stay with them in the hospital as much as possible, and we provide sleeping accommodations for one parent to stay overnight. If you're unable to stay, be sure to let our staff know.
Other family members and friends may visit when it's convenient. Only two visitors are allowed so your child has adequate time for rest and recovery. Siblings may visit if they do not have a fever or other contagious diseases.
For safety reasons, latex balloons are not permitted in the pediatric unit.
As parents and guardians, you're welcome to visit your child 24/7. You're also encouraged to stay with them in the hospital as much as possible, and we provide sleeping accommodations for one parent to stay overnight. If you're unable to stay, be sure to let our staff know.
Other family members and friends may visit when it's convenient. Only two visitors are allowed so your child has adequate time for rest and recovery. Siblings may visit if they do not have a fever or other contagious diseases.
For safety reasons, latex balloons are not permitted in the pediatric unit.