Pediatric hospital

Ah, greetings and a warm welcome to the latest edition of Health Byte! Today, we're delving into the world of pediatric services right here in the bustling heart of Shanghai – a city that not only pulses with the rapid beat of development but also offers a comforting hand in pediatric healthcare.

Now, for those young families and doting parents among us, Shanghai serves up a veritable smorgasbord of pediatric options, ranging from esteemed city-level pediatric hospitals to the more intimate neighborhood health centers, and yes, even a few private clinics. Whether it's a scraped knee or something a tad more complex, you're covered.

Here are Shanghai's Public Institutions of Noted Quality:

Let's talk about the crème de la crème of pediatric care in our city. Topping the charts, we have the illustrious Shanghai Children's Hospital and the esteemed Children's Hospital of Fudan University, among others. These aren't just local heroes; they're national treasures, drawing families from all corners of China.

For those little warriors needing surgical assistance, Xinhua Hospital stands as a bastion of pediatric surgery and critical care for newborns. And let's not forget Shanghai Children's Medical Center, a beacon for those battling congenital heart or blood disorders.

Then there's Children's Hospital of Fudan University – a place where hope is kindled for young ones facing cancer or neurological challenges. Similarly, Shanghai Children's Hospital offers a sanctuary for everything from nutrition and puberty-related puzzles to common childhood diseases.

VIP Departments Offer More Comfortable Environs, and Accept Int'l Insurance:

Adding a dash of international flair, these hospitals boast VIP or international departments. Picture this: serene environments, bilingual staff, and the acceptance of international medical insurance. Truly, a godsend for expats and visiting families!

Recently, Shanghai has put its best foot forward in enhancing international medical tourism. A select cadre of hospitals, including Shanghai Children's Medical Center, Children's Hospital of Fudan University and Xinhua Hospital, have been chosen to lead this ambitious charge, aiming to establish globally recognized service brands.

So whether you're a local resident or just passing through, rest assured that Shanghai's pediatric services are not only a testament to China's medical prowess but also a nurturing embrace for your little ones in times of need.

General Hospital

In response to the bustling demand for pediatric care in Shanghai, the city has innovatively created five pediatric medical clusters. This strategic initiative involves five medical groups, each led by a leading hospital that collaborates with several district and community hospitals. Experts from top hospitals provide training and services in lower-level hospitals, ensuring quicker patient transfers within the system. This measure aims to sprinkle high-end pediatric resources throughout the district and community-based facilities, promoting the overall development of local pediatric hospitals. As a result, excellent pediatric care is now as close as your neighborhood, saving families the trek to the city's busier hospitals and encouraging patients to visit nearby hospitals instead of crowded leading facilities.

City and District Level for Pediatric Care:

Currently, every city- and district-level comprehensive hospital boasts a pediatrics department. Furthermore, fifty of these hospitals have set the standard with model pediatric outpatient and emergency departments. Even closer to home, nearly all neighborhood health centers provide primary care for common children's diseases, making pediatric care accessible just steps from your front door.

Community level hospitals offer perks like lower registration fees and a diverse array of medicines. These hospitals aren't just stand-alone entities; they're integrated into a robust system with leading hospitals. This integration fosters a dual-benefit environment: Enhancing the medical skills of local practitioners and streamlining the patient transfer process within the system for swifter, more efficient care.

Moreover, some local hospitals boast specialized services that cater to specific needs. For instance, the Shanghai Ninth People's Hospital excels in stomatology, making it the go-to place for children's orthodontic treatments. Similarly, Fudan University's Eye, Ear, Nose, and Throat Hospital shines in its specialized care for eye and ENT issues, ensuring that children requiring this expertise receive the most professional care available.

International Hospital

Pediatrics is also a strong point for many international hospitals in Shanghai. Shanghai United Family Hospital, for example is one of the more popular institutions among expats, for its high standards of pediatric care available in international hospitals across the city. It has a long history, being China's first international hospital to open. In its early days, it made its mark on the city with its maternity and pediatric services, but it has since evolved into a comprehensive healthcare institution dedicated to lifelong health management.

This hospital's approach is decidedly Western, making it a comfortable and familiar choice for the expatriate community. Its design and management are crafted to meet international standards, offering a seamless healthcare experience akin to what one might expect in the U.S. or Europe.

SUFH's Center for Children's Health:

The Center for Children's Health at Shanghai United Family Hospital is particularly noteworthy. With locations in Changning, Jing'an, and Pudong, it provides 24-hour outpatient pediatric services and a host of sub-specialties tailored to meet the diverse needs of young patients.

Whether it's routine check-ups or specialized care, the hospital's pediatric team caters to children of all ages. The staff includes specialists in pediatric endocrinology, gastroenterology, and developmental and behavioral health, ensuring a comprehensive approach to child wellness.

The hospital's neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) boasts seasoned neonatologists, offering the highest level of care for newborns in need of critical attention. Additionally, its pediatricians and nurses hold certifications from the American Heart Association in Pediatric Advanced Life-Support, highlighting their commitment to providing emergency and critical care according to top international standards.

A Noteworthy Option for 24-Hours Outpatient Pediatric Services:

Unique among Shanghai's international hospitals, Shanghai United Family Hospital offers a 24-hour outpatient pediatric service and an emergency service tailored for children. This includes a pediatric urgent care unit that accepts walk-ins for immediate assistance with minor acute condiitons like allergies, stomachaches, headaches, rashes, fever, and sore throats. This level of availability and specialized care ensures that families have access to top-tier medical support whenever the need arises.

Health Byte Tips:

The Shanghai Center for Disease Control and Prevention has started a trial to add Nutri-Grade labels to drinks, indicating their non-milk extrinsic sugar and saturated fat content. The recommended daily intake of added sugar is below 25 grams per day. People had better not or drink few sugary drinks with weekly maximum no more than 355 milliliters. Children and minors should arouse higher awareness.