UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital

UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital is tied as the #1 Children’s Hospital in Florida, according to the 2022-23 U.S. News & World Report rankings! Ranked in five pediatric specialties, UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital provides the full spectrum of pediatric specialty services.

UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital is a hospital within a hospital on the UF Health Shands campus and provides care in more than 20 pediatric specialties. It is also home to the UF Health Shands Pediatric E.R. – the community’s first emergency department devoted to caring for children who are acutely ill or injured. UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital provides care for the children of our community and the state of Florida and is a major destination center for pediatric patients from all over the United States and overseas who require specialized attention for complex medical problems.

UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital represents the only quaternary-care academic pediatric center in North Florida. The children’s hospital has 208 beds, including fully-equipped pediatric and neonatal intensive care units. UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital is part of the Children's Miracle Network's alliance of premier hospitals for children.

UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital is also a member of the Children’s Hospital Association, formerly known as the National Association of Children’s Hospitals and Related Institutions. The Children’s Hospital Association advances child health through innovation in the quality, cost and delivery of care. Representing 223 children’s hospitals, the Association is the voice of children’s hospitals nationally. It champions public policies that enable hospitals to better serve children and is the premier resource for pediatric data and analytics, driving improved clinical and operational performance of member hospitals.

Pediatric ER & Pediatrics After Hours

Pediatric ER 

The UF Health Shands Pediatric E.R. provides families with a convenient, one-stop children’s health center for emergency care and specialty services. Learn more.

Pediatrics After Hours 

Previously co-located with the Pediatric E.R., UF Health Pediatrics After Hours is now in the Gerold L. Schiebler CMS Center. It is a collaborative effort with community pediatricians and UF Health pediatricians treating children with urgent primary care needs.Learn more.

Pediatric Specialty Clinics

University of Florida pediatric physicians offer specialty care in a variety of clinical settings in Gainesville. Visit our locations page to find a pediatric specialty clinic near you.

Child Life Program

From colorful playrooms to parent support and resources, the Child Life Program at UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital is here for pediatric patients of all ages and their families. 

Learn more.

COVID-19 Vaccine

The COVID-19 vaccine helps keep children safe from the virus. It keeps them in school or daycare, while safely participating in their favorite activities. Help protect children and teens by getting those who are eligible vaccinated against COVID-19. Talk to your provider if you have questions or want to schedule a vaccine. Learn more about the COVID-19 vaccine for children at the CDC’s website.

Social Workers

UF Health Shands social workers offer a variety of services to pediatric patients and their families. Counseling - available to discuss concerns, provide support and explore solutions.

• Individual, family, and group counseling
• Problem solving
• Stress Management
• Crisis intervention
• Support and educational groups

Environmental Management

Discharge planning and referrals to community agencies.

• HomeCare agencies
• Rehabilitation centers
• Sponsorship agencies
• Parenting programs
• Specialized support groups
• Community mental health centers

Concrete Services

• Obtaining resources
• Housing assistance
• Transportation assistance
• Emergency financial assistance

Social workers are available to all pediatric patients, and work intensively in many highly specialized medical areas, such as organ transplant teams, pediatric oncology, pediatric intensive care and many others. We work as part of the pediatric patient's healthcare team, with medical staff, nurses, rehabilitation specialists, case managers, nutritionists, Child Life and other professionals.

We are also available in areas where both adults and children are treated. We have a total of 31 master's level social workers, the majority of whom are Florida licensed clinical social workers.

Playrooms 

• There is one playroom on each pediatric floor 
• Playrooms are open during the day for pediatric patients and families to use
• All patients and siblings must be supervised by and adult (18 yrs and up)
• Volunteers may be available to provide supervision when parents cannot be here

Supervised Activity Groups

• Please check the activities calendar on each floor for supervised group times
• Groups are run by a variety of trained volunteers and staff
• Children that are unable to go to the playroom can get toys and activities for their room 

Personal Computers & Internet Access 

Wireless access is available for those patients and families that bring their laptops.

Florida Health Finder

Visit FloridaHealthFinder.gov, where the Agency for Health Care Administration publishes quality and performance information about Florida's health care facilities.

Learn More at the UF Health Shands Children's Hospital Website