Children’s Hospital

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the benefits of a Pediatric Teaching Hospital?

T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital, part of the Erlanger Health System, is the region’s only dedicated pediatric teaching hospital, part of an elite group of only 6 percent of all hospitals in the nation. At Children’s Hospital, we provide physicians from every medical specialty on duty, 24 hours a day, seven days a week, in case something routine turns into something else. More importantly, these physicians and pediatric specialists have years of extra training to take care of the special medical needs of children. To learn more about the pediatric services offered at T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital at Erlanger, visit www.erlanger.org/childrens.

I am interested in volunteering. How can I become more involved?

One of the most valuable ways you can give to our institution is through your time and talent. Each year, approximately 600 volunteers spend more than 45,000 hours assisting patients and their loved ones within the Erlanger Health System, including T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital. Whether you have a passion for working on special events, reading to children or helping in the inpatient playrooms, we’d like to work with you to discover your area of interest. Volunteer opportunities are available for the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile, the Vance Stafford Readers, inpatient playrooms and our Pediatric Oncology Center to name a few. For more information regarding volunteer opportunities, visit www.erlanger.org/giving.

Is there a service within T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital that installs car seats?

Safe & Sound, an injury prevention service of T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital at Erlanger and the proud leader for Safe Kids Chattanooga is equipped and trained to install car seats by appointment. Safe & Sound also partners with other local organizations for car seat checks around the region. In addition, Safe & Sound and Safe Kids Chattanooga aim to stimulate changes in attitudes, behavior and environment by conducting public outreach and awareness campaigns such as child passenger safety, bicycle safety and more. To find out more about Safe & Sound, visit www.erlanger.org/childrens. To schedule a car seat check or to find out when car seat checks are offered in your neighborhood, call (423) 778-6691.

Does T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital offer after-hours care when I can’t get my child into see a pediatrician?

Yes, the T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital urgent care service, T.C. Thompson Children’s Care Center, is opened seven days a week from 6 p.m. to midnight. The Care Center, located on the ground floor of Children’s Hospital, serves walk-ins, physician- referred urgent care patients and those redirected from the emergency department who do not require emergency care during your pediatrician’s non-business hours. For more information about services offered at T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital, visit www.erlanger.org/childrens.

My child is having surgery at T.C. Thompson Children’s Hospital. How can I prepare my child for surgery?

The staff at Children’s Hospital understands that surgery can be a stressful time for patients and their families. Children age 4 and older may benefit from a pre-surgery tour offered by the Child Life Department. Patients and their families are giving the opportunity to tour and become more familiar with the staff, equipment, and environment prior to the day of surgery. Tours are designed to answer any questions children may have about the procedure, as well as increase parents’ ability to be supportive throughout the whole process. For more information and to register for a tour, please call (423) 778-2154. For more information about Children’s Hospital, visit www.erlanger.org/childrens.

What is a Child Life Specialist?

Child Life Specialists are trained, certified members of the healthcare team who focus on and attend to the emotional, social, and developmental needs of hospitalized children and their families. By providing developmental, educational and therapeutic play, Child Life Specialists work to reduce the amount of stress associated with hospitalization. For more information about Children’s Hospital, visit www.erlanger.org/childrens.