Dedicated Pediatric Room Opens In Emergency Department At Peconic Bay Medical Center

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RIVERHEAD, NY — It's a space for children and families to heal: Northwell Health’s Peconic Bay Medical Center has introduced a dedicated pediatric room within its Emergency Department, transforming a former trauma room into a child-friendly treatment space for families in eastern Suffolk County.

The 370-square-foot room, the first of its kind in the area, was refreshed with cosmetic updates to create an environment "where children can feel safe, calm and cared for, without losing the comforts of home," officials said.

The opening was commemorated during a ribbon-cutting ceremony held on August 15. The room became available for its new purpose following the opening of a new trauma room as part of the larger Emergency Department expansion. The project was made possible by support from Marie and Emanuel Arturi in loving memory of their daughter Daniella.

}This initiative reflects our continued focus on compassionate, community-driven care," said Amy Loeb, president of Peconic Bay Medical Center. "Transforming this space ensures that children and their families have an environment designed for healing, comfort and peace of mind, when they need it most. This milestone is a testament to the deep roots of philanthropic support we are so fortunate to have, and we are incredibly grateful to the Arturi family for their generosity in helping us build what's best for our youngest community members."

Designed to provide the full pediatric patient experience, the refreshed space includes two curtained beds, essential emergency care equipment and convertible sofas that allow parents to stay at their child’s side. The separation from the general treatment area enhances both clinical care and emotional support.

"This space gives us the ability to care for children in a way that’s developmentally appropriate and family-centered," said Ninfa Mehta, chair of emergency medicine. "Whether for short-term observation or urgent treatment, this setup gives our care teams, and parents, greater flexibility and focus."

PBMC’s Emergency Department physicians, trained to manage a broad range of pediatric emergencies, will staff the space. The hospital is enhancing pediatric services across the board under the guidance of PBMC’s new Chair of Pediatrics, Brenda Marcano-Benfante, MD, fostering a stronger collaboration between emergency care and pediatric services to ensure East End families have access to comprehensive care they need, close to home, hospital representatives said.

"Children deserve the highest standard of care at every stage of life, especially in times of emergency," said Dr. Marcano-Benfante. "We are committed to ensuring that families across the East End have access to expert pediatric care when they need it most, and this new space is one important step in building a healthier future for our community’s children."