Families coming to Children’s Minnesota’s Minneapolis emergency department are now likely to see a doctor quicker. The pediatric health system has launched a new check-in and symptom screening process aimed at reducing how long families wait to receive care. The streamlined care model is a key feature of a yearlong comprehensive renovation of the kid-focused Minneapolis emergency department.
“When your child is sick, you will do whatever you can for them to get better. Our goal is to ensure that every child who comes through our doors receives the best possible care in the shortest amount of time,” said Brenda Beckwith, vice president of clinical services at Children’s Minnesota. “These improvements reflect our ongoing commitment to innovation, compassion, and excellence in pediatric emergency medicine.”
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The new process is meant to ensure the right level of care, whether a child’s needs are critical, urgent or less severe. Here is what families can now expect in the Minneapolis emergency department:
- Faster care for kids: A doctor will see patients much sooner — often at the start of their visit. This can help reduce waiting times and get care started quickly.
- More rooms: The emergency department added new rooms, including “super track” spaces. These rooms are designed to expedite care for children with less severe conditions, allowing them to be seen and treated more quickly.
- Safe and smooth patient flow: Critically ill and injured children and those with complex needs will continue to receive immediate medical attention.
- Child-focused environment: The renovated waiting area includes a multi-purpose quiet room, designed for families with neurodivergent children or infants. Natural materials and lighting create a calm, welcoming environment.
The Children’s Minnesota Hospital in Minneapolis is the region’s only Level I pediatric trauma center in a hospital dedicated only to children. The remodel enhances the emergency department’s ability to provide timely, high-quality care to babies, children, and young adults, especially during critical moments.
In 2026, Children’s Minnesota’s St. Paul emergency department will undergo a similar remodel and renovation.
