By Lauri Gray Eaton
Northwest Weekly Editor

When it comes to kids, sometimes bad things just happen. And when they do, parents seek fast and efficient care.

Methodist Children’s Hospital employees Tatiana Sultzbach (left) and Sonya Hernandez join in the fun with Hernandez’ daughter, Gabriella, 2, in applying colorful handprints to sections of construction fencing as part of the Methodist Healthcare System’s groundbreaking Saturday for the expansion of the pediatric emergency department. Photos by Lauri Gray Eaton

Understandably, the nursing staff members and physicians rank among the biggest cheerleaders for the project, said Pamela Dwyer, chief of nursing at MCH’s ER, at celebratory ceremonies and activities Saturday.

A gang of gangly children in MCH T-shirts burst through a banner to symbolize the “breakthrough in healthcare” that the facility will presumably provide.

“They are really looking forward to it,” said Dwyer of the doctors and nurses, a number of whom brought their children to participate in the event.

Celebrating just short of a decade of its existence, MCH was originally outfitted to treat 10,000 to 12,000 visits per year. In 2007, the ER accommodated 58,000 patient visits in its 19 exam rooms,” Dwyer said.

MCH CEO Mark McLoone (right), speaking at the event, said construction has already begun.

The new facility, expected to be completed in mid-2009, will be the largest pediatric emergency room in the city with 34 exam rooms and two fully equipped trauma rooms ­ all spanning more than 30,000 square feet.

The site has already undergone clearing for construction, but emergency services will not be interrupted during the expansion, officials said.