Parents Share Their Stories Pages 4 & 9 Helping Hands for Families in Need Page 10 Rocky Mountain Kids winter 2012 Celebrating kids A Health Publication for Parents RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com Page 3 Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center North Suburban Medical Center Rose Medical Center Sky Ridge Medical Center The Medical Center of Aurora Swedish Medical Center A Note from Dr. Washington Dear Parents and Friends: Many people in our community may not be aware of the broad range of pediatric services HealthONE’s Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children provides: from prenatal care for some of the sickest babies even before they are born, to the accidents and injuries typical of teens involved with competitive and recreational sports. Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children’s family of hospitals has the state’s largest number of neonatal intensive care beds — 161 — and cares for more premature or ill newborns than any system in the state. Additionally, through the Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation (RMCHF), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit * Cover and Page 3 photos are from Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children’s Pediatric Hematology Oncology’s Celebration of Life event on September 24. This fun event united families and their RMHC caregivers in honor and support of these incredible young cancer fighters. On the cover: Cancer survivor Scotty Brown and his sister Maylin tell knock-knock jokes to the audience. On Page 3, clockwise from top left: Yesbi TapiaGuerra, Jaqueline Sihombing, Natalie Paul, Allison Carr, young cancer survivors group shot, Mia Egger, Keller Buffkin and Klaus Heiman. 2 Winter 2012 organization, we operate one of only 10 Mother’s Milk Banks in the U.S. Because we care for many children whose families have limited resources, the uncompensated care we provide is identical to that of other children’s hospitals throughout the country. Also, the RMCHF helps families in need whose children are receiving treatment within HealthONE’s pediatric system of care. With a full complement of pediatric specialists, outreach into communities outside our urban area, specialized neonatal intensive care unit and highrisk obstetrical transport teams through AirLife, Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children provides parents a high-quality Reginald Washington, MD, FAAP, FACC, FAHA Chief Medical Officer Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children choice for children’s health in a personalized, patient-focused environment, regardless of their ability to pay. We hope you enjoy the articles in this edition of Rocky Mountain Kids. They range from heartwarming stories from grateful parents to useful information on keeping your children safe during winter sports season. On behalf of all of us at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children, we wish your family health and happiness during 2012. Kids’ Craft Corner Snowman on a Stick from Family Fun Magazine These banana-based snowmen are decidedly more tropical than the frosty variety, and kids can assemble their own if you prepare the fruit for them. Rocky Mountain Kids Ingredients • Bananas • Grapes • Carrot • Apple • Bamboo skewers • Mini chocolate chips • Pretzel sticks Instructions 1. For each snowman, you will need three thick slices of banana, a grape, a sliver of carrot and a triangular piece of apple. Tip: Poke a hole in the apple piece with a bamboo skewer first to make assembly easier. 2. Have your kids slide the fruit onto the skewer, then use the carrot slivers for noses, mini chocolate chips for eyes and buttons and pretzel sticks for arms. celebration of life It’s a Celebration of Life for young cancer survivors It was hard to choose what to do next at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children’s Pediatric Hematology Oncology’s Celebration of Life event on September 24. There were all sorts of activities and entertainment for the 150 patients, siblings, parents and staff who attended. “We worked on the idea that laughter is the best medicine,” says Pediatric Hematology Oncology Program Coordinator Shay Martin, RN, CPON. So, the photo booth and “Minute to Win It” games, balloon artists, face painting and magicians were all geared for maximum laughter. It was very effective. The Heiman family wrote to say thanks: “We had so much fun at the Celebration of Life! ... Thank you so much for the laughs, heart and soul and the opportunities to meet other families.” One of the best activities was creating a Chain of Life. Each link from a patient, parent, sibling or caregiver was a different color and was a graphic demonstration of the support survivors need along their journey to good health. According to Martin, “Survivorship begins at the moment of diagnosis.” “For those of us who work in pediatric oncology, the Celebration is the exclamation mark on why we do what we do. It helps us to keep on doing it,” says Julie Zimbelman, MD, who specializes in pediatric hematology-oncology. “The day is reflective of the entire RMHC community coming together to celebrate these remarkable young people and their family and friends.” “I think Dr. Julie mentioned that parents often don’t like to go to this event, and I used to be one of them, because it brings up some very painful memories. But now that I went, I’m so glad I did,” writes parent Carol Carr in a thank-you note. “RMPHO really knows how to rock,” summed up the Heiman family. RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com 3 Carter’s story Expert, Compassionate Care Helps Baby Thrive N ewlyweds Amanda and James Clem were excited about their first baby. So Amanda says it was very scary when they learned at 18 weeks that their baby was not developing normally. Carter — now a happy seven-monthold who eats, rolls and sits as well as any child his age — was diagnosed with gastroschisis, a condition in which the intestines develop outside the body. Amanda’s OB/GYN, Irene Sokowlowski, MD, referred her to Amy Adelberg, MD, a perinatologist practicing at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center. Drs. Sokowlowski and Adelberg worked closely as a team caring for Carter and Amanda up until the time of his birth. Richard Porreco, MD, perinatologist and medical director of maternal-fetal medicine at RMHC at P/SL, delivered Carter by caesarean section five weeks early. Carter was then cared for at RMHC at P/SL’s state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), the largest in the region, after his birth. He needed multiple surgeries in his first two months of life. RMHC pediatric surgeon Saundra Kay, MD, performed five abdominal wall surgeries in total to ensure he would have the best chance of eating and developing normally. “Today, he eats three meals a day. He drinks normal formula, and we’re excited to start him on finger foods soon,” Amanda says. “We were impressed by Dr. Kay’s expertise and individual care. She genuinely cared about Carter and was always available to answer our questions.” { 4 A Wealth of Skill and Support While the experience was trying, Amanda and James were surrounded by support from both family and RMHC staff. “It didn’t feel like strangers dealing with our baby. The staff worked so well together and was so welcoming. Our experience wouldn’t have been as smooth without the help of all the staff — from the pediatric surgeon to the NICU receptionist,” Amanda says. “Everyone was extremely knowledgeable, duty-oriented and professional, but also very compassionate. They really connected to Carter and cared about his well-being.” “It meant a lot to know the experts at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children cared so much.” —Amanda Clem, Carter’s mom “I Knew Carter Was Safe” Amanda and James call Carter their little champ, and a real miracle. But they will never forget the first time they saw him lying on his warming pad in the NICU. “He was so delicate,” remembers Amanda. “With all the IVs and tubes, it seemed there was more medical equipment than baby.” In those first moments of Carter’s life, the NICU nurses gave Amanda and James confidence that he was in the best of hands. “I felt safe with them, and I knew Carter was safe with them. That made all the difference. “They validated our feelings by including us in discussions about Carter and took the time to answer all our questions, even if we asked them more than once,” Amanda adds. “Everyone we met seemed ready to share a smile. Sometimes that’s all we needed to feel better.” Meet the Physicians Amy Adelberg, MD, is board certified in obstetrics and gynecology. Saundra Kay, MD, is board certified in pediatric and general surgery. Richard Porreco, MD, is board certified in genetics, maternal-fetal medicine and obstetrics and gynecology. Winter 2012 Rocky Mountain Kids Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center Saving the Life of a Young Choking Victim As curious young children explore their environment, they put food and other objects in their mouths that can stick in their throats. Choking sends thousands of infants and toddlers to emergency rooms each year. Three-year-old Jamal Tanner is one of them. On October 22, Jamal was playing with his friends when he put a small rubber ball in his mouth and started choking. Jamal’s mother, Monte, and her boyfriend quickly called 911 for help. Dispatch operator Reba Rose kept them calm and gave step-by-step emergency instructions on what to do. Unfortunately, Jamal’s airway was blocked and the little boy lost consciousness. When firefighters and paramedics arrived, Jamal was in full cardiac arrest, he was not breathing and had no pulse. First responder and Denver firefighter Lacy Harmony was able to dislodge the ball from Jamal’s throat, but the boy still wasn’t breathing. He was rushed to the Emergency Department at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center, where he was treated by ER physicians, including Katrina Iverson, MD. For days, doctors weren’t sure whether Jamal had suffered brain damage, or what the outcome for the young boy would be. He would spend the next 10 days in the pediatric intensive care unit (PICU) recovering. Thanks to the quick response and expert care from the dispatcher, firefighters, paramedics and ER staff, Jamal made a full recovery and left the hospital on November 5. He’s now back to running around and playing with his friends. On November 9, Jamal and his mother returned to RMHC at P/SL to thank the paramedics, firefighters, the 911 operator and the ER physicians who helped save his life that day. You can help prevent your child from choking with these tips from the American Academy of Pediatrics: • Monitor mealtimes. Food is the most common cause of choking in small children. Before age 4, children aren’t able to grind their food into small pieces. Protect your child by creating a safe eating environment. Don’t allow children younger than 4 to have these foods:  Hot dogs  Nuts and seeds  Chunks of peanut butter  Chunks of meat or cheese  Popcorn, pretzels, potato chips, corn chips or similar snack foods  Hard, gooey or sticky candy  Whole grapes  Raisins  Raw vegetables, especially hard ones  Chewing gum • Keep small objects out of little hands. Make sure small household items and toys with small removable parts are out of toddlers’ reach. Be sure to remove common offenders, such as balloons, coins, marbles, tiny balls, pen caps, button-type batteries and pins. RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com 5 It’s Snow Fun! Winter Sports Season When the thermometer drops, winter sports beckon. But with these activities come opportunities for injury. Take steps to keep kids safe on the slopes, ice or anywhere else their cold-weather adventures take them. Snow sports make winter truly fun. Just remember that sports like snowboarding and skiing require preparation, safety measures and skills. To make sure your kids are prepared when the first snowflakes fall: • Strap on a helmet. Kids should wear a helmet made for the sport they’re participating in, such as those for skiing, snowboarding and snowmobiling. Make sure the helmet has a certification label that shows it has been tested for safety. The front should rest just above the eyebrows. Pads should be flush against the cheeks and forehead. The back shouldn’t touch the nape of the neck. With the chin strap fastened, the helmet should feel snug and comfortable. Lead by example and wear a helmet yourself. 6 Winter 2012 Rocky Mountain Kids • Shape up. Help kids condition before the season starts, paying special attention to leg, knee and back strength. “Skiing and snowboarding are excellent ways for children to remain physically active in the winter. Both require the use of core strength and engage muscle groups that may not be trained during the off season,” says Kimberly Brooke Pengel, MD, medical director of the Rocky Mountain Youth Sports Medicine Institute. “Prior to hitting the slopes, consider a training program to prepare your young skier or snowboarder. Allow the child to acclimate to the activity, as winter sports are physically demanding and children may fatigue easily at the beginning of the season.” • Sign them up. Kids should take lessons, especially for skiing or snowboarding. Trained instructors can teach proper form and how to fall safely. • Get the right gear. Ensure boards, skates, bindings and other equipment are in working order and fit properly. You can have equipment adjusted at most sports stores or on the slopes at rental shops. Don’t forget helmets, face guards, goggles, gloves, padding, wrist guards and other protective pieces. • Dress them well. This includes gloves, hats, waterproof jackets and pants, long underwear and sweaters. Layer clothes so kids can add or remove a layer as they warm up or cool down. Choose bright clothing other people can see. And don’t forget the sunscreen — the sun’s rays are more powerful at higher elevations. • Let them act their age. A certain level of coordination ability and muscular strength is needed to ski and snowboard, and most resorts set minimum age limits for kids to participate. Ask your doctor if your child is the right age to begin a snow sport, and check if your resort has any age restrictions. For snowmobiling, never allow a child younger than 6 to ride, and no one younger than 16 to drive. Rules of the Slope 1. Always stay in control and be able to stop or avoid objects. 2. People ahead of you have the right of way; it’s your responsibility to avoid them. 3. Don’t stop where you obstruct the trail or aren’t visible from above. 4. Whenever starting downhill or merging into a trail, yield to others. 5. Always use devices to help prevent runaway equipment. 6. Observe all posted warning signs. 7. Keep off closed trails and out of closed areas. 8. Before using any lift, be sure you know how to load, ride and unload safely. Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center Female Athletes: Learn the Score Today, more females than ever are participating in a wide variety of sports. This participation can lead to a healthy, life-long enjoyment of sports and exercise. However, adolescent females are at higher risk for certain injuries than their male counterparts. ACL: The Ligament At Risk The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is a tough band of tissue that runs through the center of the knee. It helps to stabilize the femur (thigh bone) to the tibia (shin bone). “The ACL is important to maintaining a stable knee in activities and sports that require quick changes in direction, such as soccer, basketball, volleyball and football,” says John Polousky, MD, orthopedic surgeon with the Rocky Mountain Youth Sports Medicine Institute at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at Presbyterian/ St. Luke’s Medical Center. Females are at four to six times greater risk than males of injuring their ACLs during sports. “The exact reasons for this increased risk are yet to be fully understood, but differences in muscle firing, hormones and anatomy have been suggested,” says Dr. Polousky. Basketball: Tough on Ligaments 2006–2007 high school seasons. The study demonstrated more than 400,000 injuries requiring time off from the game during those two seasons. Protect Your Knees “Although it is not possible to prevent all ACL injuries, several studies have demonstrated that strength and plyometric (jump) training can decrease the risk for injury,” Dr. Polousky says. This training involves strengthening and retraining the leg muscles to land properly. Many girls tend to land from jumping with their knees moving inward, placing the ACL at greater risk for injury. Training females to land with their knees outward is thought to reduce the rate of injury to the ACL. John Polousky, MD, is a member of ROCK (Research of OsteoChondritis dissecans of the Knee), an international research group comprised of pediatric sports medicine experts from the U.S. and Canada dedicated to the study of osteochondritis dissecans. While the primary focus of the ROCK group is multicenter research on pediatric cartilage disease, the membership of the group represents leaders in pediatric sports medicine and sports-related injuries in North America. ROCK members are committed to the advancement of pediatric and adolescent sports medicine as a subspecialty through clinical care, education and research. The Rocky Mountain Youth Sports Medicine Institute is a center of excellence for pediatric and adolescent sports injuries within the ROCK network. When Injuries Happen The Rocky Mountain Youth Sports Medicine Institute team treats injuries in kids of all ages. Visit www.YouthSportsMed.com to meet our nationally known team, learn about the conditions we treat and more! Although many people think of football as a sport with high risk for injury, athletes are at risk in other sports as well. Nearly 1 million boys and girls play high school basketball every year in the U.S. A study in the American Journal of Sports Medicine looked at injuries over the 2005–2006 and What Is the ACL? The anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) is in the middle of the knee. It prevents the shin bone from sliding out in front of the thigh bone. An ACL injury can occur if you: • Get hit very hard on the side of your knee • Overextend the knee joint • Quickly stop moving and change direction while running, landing from a jump or turning Basketball, football, soccer and skiing are common sports linked to ACL tears. RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com 7 10334MA 8 Winter 2012 Rocky Mountain Kids Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center and Joshua's story RMHC AirLife Teams Offer Calm in Tough Times J oshua Conover is a little fighter, say proud parents James and Kelly. But without Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children, where he was born May 27, Joshua might not be thriving today. Kelly’s pregnancy was high-risk, due to preeclampsia — a condition involving high blood pressure during pregnancy. A prenatal care visit at Sky Ridge Medical Center also uncovered that she had HELLP syndrome, a condition with dangerous symptoms including poor liver function. Joshua was delivered by emergency cesarean section at Sky Ridge to save both their lives. Lifesaving Surgery Joshua was born eight weeks early, which meant he would need to stay in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) until he grew strong. A NICU is where newborns with special needs receive around-the-clock medical attention to help them survive. One night, as Joshua cried, doctors discovered a painful and life-threatening condition known as necrotizing enterocolitis, or NEC. Joshua was transferred by AirLife ground transport to Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center, where surgeons removed 22 centimeters of his small intestine. Kelly and James frequently drove the two-hour round trip from their home in Castle Rock to be at their son’s side. In spite of post-surgery challenges, Joshua left the hospital without the feeding tubes many children require. “He’s exceeded everyone’s expectations except mine,” says proud dad James. “With the help of the RMHC doctors and nurses, I knew he’d pull through.” Caring Connection The Conovers remember Joshua’s caregivers with deep gratitude for their compassion and skill — including their social worker. “I’d never met with a social worker before, but she found us a place to stay during Joshua’s surgeries,” says James. “That helped immensely.” Kelly adds that all of Joshua’s nurses exhibited a dedication beyond anything she had ever imagined. “They were so good at explaining things to us. To be there when the parents can’t, to give kids the attention they need — they are truly amazing,” she says. “I wish I could name them all! But we do have a special place in our hearts for Eugene, Joshua’s primary nurse at P/SL.” Months later, the Conovers still call him “Uncle Eugene.” And James still corresponds with AirLife nurse Karen Schneider, RN. “Karen found me nervously walking the halls one day and gave me a tour of the helicopter. It helped get my mind off what was happening,” James says. “I seemed to “I am thankful every day for the excellent care that I had hoped we wouldn’t need, but was so grateful for when we did.” —James Conover, Joshua's dad gravitate toward people with the AirLife insignia, as it let me know we had the right people around us.” James concludes that he will be forever grateful to both the AirLife and RMHC teams. “I am thankful every day for the excellent care that I had hoped we wouldn’t need, but was so grateful for when we did.” AirLife is the emergency medical/critical care transport service of the HealthONE system of hospitals, providing air and ground critical care transport for both adult and pediatric medical/trauma patients. Visit www.AirLifeDenver.com to meet our specialty teams, learn about our aircraft and vehicles, view our service area and more. RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com 2 9 Moving Mountains for Children and Families in Need T he Rocky Mountain Children‘s Health Nurturing Babies in Need Foundation in Denver carries out a broad The Mother’s Milk Bank is another important program mission to make sure that no family that helps fulfill the Foundation’s mission. The bank struggles or feels alone when a child is accepts human milk donations. For 25 years, it has sick. “The purpose of our Foundation is to provided this vital nutrient to babies born prematurely make a difference in the lives of families and other babies in need all across the country. It’s whose children are receiving treatment within one of only 10 nonprofit milk banks in the U.S. HealthONE’s Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children “Premature babies and newborns need human milk system of pediatric care,” explains Luanne Williams, to prevent illness and to actually save their lives in a lot the Foundation’s executive director. of cases,” says Laraine Lockhart-Borman, manager of The Foundation aims to make sure children are as the Mother’s Milk Bank. “Many mothers are already comfortable as possible during treatment, and to pumping milk and storing it for their own baby and limit the sacrifices a never end up using it.” family has to make in They often throw it away, You Can Make a Difference order to ensure that a she says, simply because child receives necessary Donating to the Foundation means helping to provide they don’t know about care. “We do not provide the milk bank and the comfort for children and their families at a time when bricks or mortar or raise enormous impact donor money to buy equipment even the smallest gestures have an enormous impact. human milk can have on Please visit www.GivingFirst.org/RMCHF to donate for the hospital,” she a newborn. says. “We’re here to online, or call Luanne Williams, executive director of “We’re trying to really support patients and gather support to the Rocky Mountain Children’s Health Foundation, their families.” increase the supply of at 303-839-6829. donor milk,” says Jeffrey Helping Families Thrive Hanson, MD, director of the neonatal intensive care The Foundation helps families in numerous ways. It unit at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at could mean paying for gas to travel to and from the Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center. Human milk hospital, providing a safe car seat for families who can’t can help struggling babies thrive and enjoy better afford one, offering an overnight bag with all the health throughout their lives. essentials for an unexpected hospital stay or even helping out with house payments when parents lose Helping Hands their jobs because they must spend time caring for a Fears, frustrations and caretaking demands can oversick child. The Foundation also covers the cost of some whelm a family caring for a sick child. That’s why Rocky training and education for nurses so RMHC patients Mountain Hospital for Children, Rocky Mountain Chilreceive the very best care. dren’s Health Foundation and the Mother’s Milk Bank The Foundation funds fun activities, too. It partici- work together to create a network of assistance for pates in NICU reunions, survivor parties and holiday families and children, whatever their needs may be. events for children who are now enjoying healthy, This support can help families meet challenges headhappy childhoods after spending time in the hospital’s on and help lead kids on the path to healthy and proneonatal intensive care, oncology or pediatric units. ductive lives. 10 Winter 2012 Rocky Mountain Kids Breastfeeding Gives Babies a Healthier Start “The balanced composition of human milk is instrumental in protecting newborns’ health.” —Jeffrey Hanson, MD, NICU director at RMHC at P/SL The Mother’s Milk Bank, a program of the Rocky Mountain Children‘s Health Foundation, wants all newborns to grow into healthy, happy babies. But for too many infants in need, human milk is in short supply. “The balanced composition of human milk is instrumental in protecting newborns’ health,” says Jeffrey Hanson, MD, director of the neonatal intensive care unit at Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center. “There’s evidence that babies who are breastfed have fewer problems later in life with diabetes and obesity. Some evidence also indicates that breastfed babies and toddlers may have fewer respiratory infections.” “It can mean a lifetime of good health for a child when a mother breastfeeds,” explains Laraine Lockhart-Borman, manager of the Mother’s Milk Bank. “There are mothers out there who never make any milk or who have health issues that prevent them from providing milk for their babies.” To help with this growing need, the milk bank is launching a campaign to increase donations. The goal is to double the number of donors and increase the supply of donor human milk. Right now, the milk bank has Just fewer than 100 donors per month. ounce of donated Women who want to milk can feed a donate will be screened premature baby for approval. Donors are for an entire typically asked to donate at least 150 ounces of milk, which is then thoroughly pasteurized for safety. one day. Pump and Donate: You Could Save a Life Call 877-458-5503 to learn how you can make a donation to the Mother’s Milk Bank. Visit www.MilkBankColorado.org to get the facts on giving or receiving a donation, the value and safety of donated milk, frequently asked questions and more. RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com 11 Rocky Mountain Kids Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children at Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center 1719 East 19th Avenue Denver, CO 80218 Presorted STD US Postage PAID Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children Rocky Mountain Kids is published by Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children’s family of hospitals from HealthONE. The information is intended to educate the public about subjects pertinent to their health, not as a substitute for consultation with a personal physician. Beverly Petry Editor Rocky Mountain Kids welcomes feedback from our readers. To offer feedback, please go to www.RockyMountainHospitalForChildren.com and click on “Contact Us.” ©2012 Rocky Mountain Kids. All Rights Reserved. Permission to reprint or quote excerpts granted by written request only. Emergency Care Just for Kids, Close to Home As a parent, you never want your child to have a medical emergency. But if the unthinkable does happen, you can rest assured that expert care is just around the corner. Rocky Mountain Hospital for Children delivers high-quality pediatric emergency services at seven locations throughout the region. Each emergency department is staffed with board certified pediatric emergency physicians — doctors who specialize in treating medical emergencies in infants, children, teens and young adults. We know that kids are unpredictable, and not all emergencies happen during regular hours. That’s why the emergency departments at two RMHC locations — Presbyterian/St. Luke’s Medical Center at 19th Avenue and High Street in Denver and Sky Ridge Medical Center at I-25 and Lincoln in Lone Tree — are open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, every day of the year. That means you and your child have direct and immediate access to experts in every pediatric subspecialty should an emergency arise. For all your kids’ health care needs … RMHC is now part of all HealthONE hospitals providing you with the long-standing commitment to quality and safe care for children. Wherever the RMHC name is attached to the local hospital’s pediatric service, children and parents can count on the same level of clinical and service excellence you’ve come to know and deserve! Clip, post and save! ✁ RMHC Emergency Locations Presbyterian/ St. Luke’s Medical Center 19th Avenue and High Street Denver, CO 80218 ER: 720-754-4115  Open 24/7 The Medical Center of Aurora Potomac and Mississippi Aurora, CO 80012 ER: 303-695-2780 North Suburban Medical Center Grant and Thornton Parkway Thornton, CO 80229 ER: 303-450-4519 Rose Medical Center 9th and Clermont Denver, CO 80220 ER: 303-320-2455 Sky Ridge Medical Center I-25 and Lincoln Lone Tree, CO 80124 ER: 720-225-1900  Open 24/7 24/7 Swedish Medical Center Hampden and Logan (three blocks east of Broadway) Englewood, CO 80113 ER: 303-788-6911 Swedish SW ER Wadsworth and Bowles Littleton, CO 80123 303-932-6911 emergency care at two RMH C locations — P resby terian /St. Lu ke’s and Sk y R id ge