Trinity Health Tackles Little Girl's Complex Condition with a Smile and Compassion

Parents will do whatever it takes to ensure their sick child gets the care they need as soon as possible. Kayla and Jake Pike, the parents of two daughters, were faced with that exact situation earlier this year with their 16-month-old, who endures several complex medical conditions that often involve many urgent treatments at a regional pediatric specialty hospital.

One day, their little girl became extremely ill, requiring emergency care and the 40-minute drive to their usual pediatric hospital was not an option. Instead, the family opted for the five-minute drive to the nearby Trinity Health Livingston Emergency Room and received exceptional care by a compassionate and responsive team of professionals.

Part of the girl's treatments involve quickly replenishing fluids and nutrients with an IV, which is a challenge for a small child with small veins that are often extremely hard to find.

"Our girl has a slew of uncommon and complex medical issues that we have become experts on, and the Livingston team not only listened to me, but treated us as partners in her care," said Kayla, who is also a Trinity Health colleague. "The Livingston team was kind and gracious...at one point two nurses and two techs were working to keep the IV line flowing and they actually had my daughter giggling thanks to all the extra attention the staff showed her!"

No family wants to spend their evening in the ED with a gravely ill child, however, this scary and nerve-wracking experience was made significantly brighter by the team at Trinity Health Livingston.

"We have had more than a few ED visits and medical interactions, said Kayla. "This was one of the best experiences so far because the team took extra time, gave additional attention and really listened to our concerns."