A Partner In Caring

Children’s Healthcare Organization of Northern California (CHONC) works closely with referring acute-care hospitals to ensure that the children entrusted to us receive timely and appropriate care in an evidence-based environment. Our patient-care programs are designed to eliminate re-admissions by implementing care programs that keep children healthy and stable, and our policies and procedures are closely aligned with referring partners to reduce costly and dangerous re-admissions.

CHONC Pediatric Hospital & Saratoga Pediatric Subacute Criteria

Pediatric Subacute Criteria:

Eligibility Criteria – To qualify for the pediatric subacute program, the patient must be under 21 years of age and need one of the following:

  • Tracheostomy care with dependence on mechanical ventilation for a minimum of six hours each day
  • Tracheostomy care requiring suctioning at least every six hours, room air mist or oxygen as needed, and dependence on one of the four (b – e) treatment procedures listed below
  • Total parenteral nutrition or other intravenous nutritional support and one of the five (a – e) treatment procedures listed below
  • Skilled nursing care in the administration of any three of the five (a – e) treatment procedures listed below

Treatment Procedures
Treatment procedures include:

a. Intermittent suctioning at least every eight hours and room air mist or oxygen as needed
b. Continuous intravenous therapy including administration of therapeutic agents necessary for hydration or of intravenous pharmaceuticals; or intravenous pharmaceutical administration of more than one agent via a peripheral or central line, without continuous infusion
c. Peritoneal dialysis treatments requiring at least four exchanges every 24 hours
d. Tube feeding via nasogastric or gastrostomy tube
e. Other medical technologies required continuously, which in the opinion of the attending physician and the Medi-Cal consultant require the services of a professional nurse

 

Scribbles & Giggles Pediatric Day Health Care Criteria

Pediatric Day Health Center Criteria:

Recipient Eligibility To be eligible for PDHC services, recipients must be under 21 years of age and meet all of the following conditions (Health and Safety Code, Section 1760.2, and California Code of Regulations [CCR], Title 22, Sections 51184 and 51340.1):

  • The child must be medically fragile, as defined in Health and Safety Code, Section 1760.2(b), with an acute or chronic health problem that requires skilled nursing care and therapeutic intervention during all or part of the day
  • The child must reside with parent(s), foster parent(s) or legal guardian(s)
  • The child may not reside in any 24-hour inpatient facility as defined in CCR, Title 22, Section 51340.1

 

Admissions & Inquiries Contacts

CHONC Pediatric Hospital and Saratoga Pediatric Subacute
Valerie Adeva BSRP MSHCA
Cell: 408-489-1445
E-Fax: 408-503-6525

Scribbles & Giggles Pediatric Day Health Center
408-340-1598

Frequently Asked Questions

What is pediatric subacute care?
Pediatric subacute care is the care of children with technological care and 24 hour skilled nursing care needs. Children who have a tracheostomy, ventilator, TPN, and therapy needs fit within the criteria for pediatric subacute care.
CHONC Pediatric Hospital provides care to children who have special needs for nursing care, but who do not need to be in an acute care hospital. Some examples are children who are ventilator dependent, trach dependent, or who have GT tubes, need IV therapy or have rehabilitation needs.

Who will take care of my child?
Your child will be cared for by pediatric physician specialists, RN’s LVN’s, certified nursing assistants, respiratory therapists, physical therapists, occupational therapists and speech therapists.

What physicians are available to answer my questions?
The Medical Director is on-site 5-7 days/week. He is available by pager 24/7 and is always willing to meet with parents and families should the need arise.

Can I stay with my child?
Unfortunately, due to space constraints, we are not able to accommodate parents sleeping in their child’s room 24/7. We do make exceptions under special circumstances for short stays.
(Visiting hours are open for parents and parents are encouraged to spend time with their children. For other family members, visiting hours, are very flexible, but must respect the needs of the children.)

What is the nursing ratio?
There is a 1:4 or 1:5 Licensed Nurse to patient ratio. Additionally, there is one CNA that works with each nurse and there are 1-2 RT’s per shift. Thus, the ratio of staff to patients is about 1:2.

Are there RT’s available 24/7?
Respiratory Therapists are immediately available onsite 24/7.

What therapy services will my child receive at CHONC?
Your child will receive physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. The therapists will evaluate your child within 48 hours of admission and will determine the best therapeutic modalities for your child.

What activities will be available for my child?
There is a playroom onsite as well as an outside play area with all new play equipment. There is a rehab room for physical and occupational therapy and opportunities for the children to socialize together and play together. Additionally, there is a room that specifically focuses on the development of fine motor skills.

How many children stay at CHONC Pediatric Hospital?
CHONC Pediatric Hospital is licensed for 27 subacute beds. There are 13 rooms with two children in each room and one single occupancy room. For more information, please contact us at 408-558-3640.

Once my child is transferred to CHONC Pediatric Hospital, do they have to stay there forever?
Definitely not. Our goal is to help your child transition safely to home.
This includes obtaining home nursing, durable medical equipment, and training parents to ensure that you can safely care for your child at home.

Will someone at CHONC help me to get my child discharged home?
The case manager/social worker will work with all the appropriate agencies to ensure a safe discharge plan for you and your child.

Why was I transferred to CHONC?
Your child was transferred to CHONC because he/she is stable and no longer needs intensive care. CHONC was created to provide medical support, therapy and developmental intervention to children and families prior to transitioning home.

What kind of insurances does CRC accept?
CHONC accepts all private insurance and Medi-Cal.