Inside Pediatrics Spring 2025

Nature Hall Room Features

The Nature Hall’s rooms are modeled after inpatient behavioral health rooms at Children’s and offer the latest safety features designed to protect patients, caregivers and employees. “Many patients come to the Emergency Department in a health crisis,” Jones said. “But for those in a mental health crisis, the hospital wanted the environment of care to be as safe and secure as possible.”

For patients in a mental health crisis, the hospital wanted the environment of care to be as safe and secure as possible.

In the Nature Hall, PIRC therapists are part of the Psychiatric Consult Team, which provide evaluations, Alabama Department of Human Resources reporting, discharge planning and transfers to outside hospitals. With the PIRC’s robust database of more than 2,100 providers, team members are also able to offer mental health resources for patients and their families. “The PIRC program bridges a critical gap in mental health care by providing both in-person and phone-based resources,” PIRC director Cindy Jones, MA, LPC-S, NCC, said. The team’s ability to employ pro re nata (PRN), or as needed, psychiatric employees has also risen dramatically, from 11.9% to 94%, ensuring timely relief for distressed patients and their families. “Having experienced behavioral health staff who can effectively communicate and de-escalate situations has made a substantial difference,” Moore said.

To keep patients safe, each room features limited medical equipment. “Regular emergency department rooms have a lot of medical devices and equipment that pose a risk to a child with suicidal thoughts or aggressive behavior,” Jones said. “The Nature Hall mitigates any chance of harm to oneself or others.” The rooms also offer sensory lighting to accommodate patients who may need more or less light.

PRN PSYCHIATRIC STAFFING

% 12

% 94

2023

2025

9

Inside Pediatrics | Children’s of Alabama