A Dedicated Pediatric Emergency Department
Ascension St. John Hospital identified a critical need for a pediatric emergency department separate from its adult ED—one that would provide a welcoming, child-focused environment while supporting efficient, high-quality care. Partnering with HED, the hospital transformed a former urgent care space into a modern, pediatric emergency department tailored to the needs of young patients and their families.
The design approach balanced playfulness with privacy. Ascension wanted an environment that could speak to children without feeling intimidating, while also supporting families through moments of stress and uncertainty. Color, graphics, and materials were carefully selected to create a warm and comforting setting, while room layouts were planned to give families privacy and dignity during treatment.
Programmatically, the department offers 13 treatment rooms, including three dedicated pediatric behavioral health exam rooms and two trauma rooms. These spaces address a broad range of pediatric care needs, from routine treatment to urgent interventions, while supporting specialized behavioral health services. A centralized provider workspace sits at the heart of the unit, with clear sightlines to most exam rooms, allowing staff to monitor patients efficiently and respond quickly when needed.
One of the project’s defining features is its “race-track” layout. By arranging treatment rooms around a continuous circulation loop, the design streamlines both patient flow and staff movement. This organization reduces bottlenecks, improves visibility, and makes the delivery of care more predictable and efficient, all while minimizing stress for patients and families.
To support emergency access, HED leveraged the existing site configuration and back-of-house roadway to incorporate a covered ambulance drop-off. This strategic integration provides discreet, weather-protected access for patients arriving by ambulance, without disrupting the hospital’s primary circulation.
The renovation adapted the ground floor of the west addition, converting an existing urgent care space into a state-of-the-art pediatric emergency unit. Throughout the project, HED worked with Ascension to prioritize the experience of children and families. By designing with empathy, the new department reflects the hospital’s mission to provide not only medical care, but also comfort, reassurance, and dignity to the youngest members of the community.
The St. John Pediatric Emergency Department provides Detroit families with a safe, modern, and child-centered alternative to the adult ED. More than a renovation, it is a reimagining of how pediatric emergency care can be delivered with efficiency, compassion, and attention to both the medical and emotional needs of young patients and their families.
