This emergency/quick purchase was required due to a situation in which public health or safety was threatened.

COVID-19: As part of its COVID-19 response UI Health had to close its inpatient pediatric and children intensive care units for more COVID-19 capacity. This has severely impacted the ability to care for children and fulfill the training mission. It was anticipated these units would return to normal pediatric use after about two months but that has not been possible. A small, temporary unit has been established on a portion of an adult floor, but it is not comparable to dedicated pediatric unit nor can it accommodate peak census.

Shriners - Chicago and UI Health have been formally affiliated for over 6 years wherein both hospitals provide clinical services to one another. The collaboration extends into research and medical education. Anticipating that there will be another peak of COVID-19 admissions this fall and winter, it is possible to foresee a need to convert the pediatrics units back to COVID-19, even if these areas are returned to pediatric use in the near future. A brief, focused consulting engagement looking at further clinical integration, and potential development of shared facilities, will allow UI Health and Shriners to explore developing new pediatric IP and PICU capacity.