Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital Earns Renewal of Pediatric Emergency Accreditation

HUNTLEY, Ill. — Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital has again earned its Emergency Department Approved for Pediatrics (EDAP) designation, reaffirming the hospital’s nearly decade-long commitment to exceptional, family-centered emergency care for children. The renewal strengthens Huntley’s record of standout state reviews and underscores the hospital’s continued ability to meet rigorous standards for pediatric emergency care. 

The EDAP designation, developed by the Illinois Department of Public Health, recognizes hospitals that meet strict requirements for pediatric emergency readiness. To earn the designation, hospitals must meet a comprehensive set of pediatric‑specific standards. These include: 

• Availability of specialized, child‑sized equipment
• Close adherence to pediatric‑specific policies and clinical protocols
• Disaster preparedness plans that address children’s unique needs
• Ongoing pediatric education for emergency teams, such as eight hours of pediatric‑focused continuing education every two years for emergency nurses. 

Huntley Hospital first achieved EDAP status in 2017, just one year after opening, and has maintained it through consistent reaccreditation. 

“Our emergency department team holds itself to the highest standards because we believe children in our communities deserve world‑class care without families having to travel for that care,” said Rebecca Andersen, MD, emergency medicine at Huntley, McHenry, and Woodstock Hospitals. “This designation is a testament to their tireless dedication. Our team’s advanced training, compassion, and unwavering commitment ensure their young patients receive exceptional care.” 

EDAP status means children receive care designed specifically for them, from child-sized equipment and precise medication dosing to a team trained to treat infants through teens. Families can expect a calm, family-centered approach that prioritizes communication and comfort. And unlike many suburban or rural communities where pediatric patients are often transferred to larger hospitals, Huntley’s readiness helps families avoid long travel times and receive immediate, expert care close to home. 

The accreditation also strengthens regional emergency preparedness. EDAP requires robust child-focused planning, enabling Huntley Hospital to coordinate with schools, first responders and regional agencies during severe weather, mass-casualty incidents and other emergencies.  

Huntley’s consecutive exemplary state reviews reflect the hospital’s culture of continuous improvement, emergency readiness and patient-centered care. As Dr. Andersen notes, knowing their local emergency department meets these strict standards offers families reassurance during their most vulnerable moments. 

Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital’s reaccreditation further strengthens pediatric emergency care access across the northwest suburbs. Along with Huntley Hospital, both Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital have EDAP, creating a network of three accredited pediatric-ready emergency departments serving families throughout McHenry County and surrounding communities. Across the health system, Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital, Valley West Hospital, Delnor Hospital, Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital and Northwestern Memorial Hospital also hold EDAP accreditation, while Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital has earned Pediatric Critical Care Center (PCCC) recognition.

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit https://news.nm.org/.