When your child needs hospitalization

Salem Hospital's pediatric unit is carefully designed to keep you close to your child while they receive care.

The Pediatric unit is a multidisciplinary, comprehensive unit that cares for children experiencing acute and chronic conditions. Here, physicians and nurses are highly trained in the unique requirements of infants, children and adolescents.

During your child's hospital stay, we will do everything possible to make you and your child feel included, safe and comfortable.

At Salem Hospital, we work as a care team to give your child the best possible care. Our care teams include specialists like care managers, dieticians, occupational therapists, lactation consultants, physical therapists, pharmacist and many others.

Our hospital also partners with your child’s local primary care provider to ensure continuity of care, from the clinic to the hospital and back. 

You and your child are essential members of the health care team. Please ask us questions anytime.

You can rely on Salem Health for:

Care for children of all ages: infants, toddlers, school age, and young adults.

Inpatient care: intermediate care not requiring pediatric sub-specialties, such as pediatric neurology or pediatric intensive care.

Observation care: outpatient services (intravenous hydration, lab draws, intramuscular medication administration, short stay procedures).

Diagnosis we treat:

• Fever
• Dyspnea
• Acute bronchiolitis
• Cough
• Dehydration
• Asthma with (acute) exacerbation
• Neonatal jaundice
• Pneumonia
• Neonatal Opiate Withdrawal Syndrome
• Unspecified abdominal pain

The Pediatric Unit offers:

• Constant nurse supervision supported by the latest medical technology.
• Coordinated care between nurses, physicians and specialists.
• Experienced nurses who will answer your questions and give specific details about your child’s care around the clock.
• Designated quiet time for rest and healing.
• Consultation with specialists on-site and online using specialized technology.
• Telemedicine consultation with the OHSU Doernbecher Children's Hospital pediatric intensive care unit, as needed.

Parent information

We offer family-centered care where families are encouraged to stay with their child. 

• Each room comes equipped with a daybed to accommodate one parent or guardian.
• Additional waiting areas are available for other family members. 
• Nutrition Services offers three meals per day to one parent who stays with a child 5 years old or younger. 
• Guests may use the phone in the patient’s room for local calls. 
• Internet and educational resources are available at the Salem Health CHEC on the Salem Hospital campus.
• Shower facilities are also provided for parents.

Since most parents cannot be at the hospital 24 hours a day, you will receive a PIN code that will allow you to call for information about your child as needed.