Nemours Emergency Team Wins Top U.S. Award—Here’s How Nemours Helps Milford Children

Screenshot 2025 08 04 110311

WILMINGTON — The Emergency Department at Nemours Children’s Hospital, Delaware has once again earned national recognition, receiving the prestigious 2025–2028 ENA Lantern Award for its exceptional pediatric emergency care. As one of the few children’s hospitals in the country to hold both Level 1 pediatric trauma and pediatric emergency department designations, the award underscores Nemours’ leadership in safety, quality, and whole child health.

This is the third time Nemours has received the Lantern Award, given by the Emergency Nurses Association to recognize superior emergency care and a commitment to staff well-being, education, and innovation.

“Receiving the Lantern Award for a third consecutive time is a powerful affirmation of our commitment to clinical preeminence and our unwavering focus on quality and safety,” said David Hancox, MSN, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, Senior Vice President and Chief Nursing and Patient Operations Officer. “It’s a proud milestone that highlights how our nurses lead with excellence and compassion every day.”

While the award reflects clinical excellence in Wilmington, its impact extends across the state—especially in communities like Milford, where families increasingly rely on Nemours for follow-up and specialty pediatric care.

Lifeline for Southern Delaware

Nemours Children’s Health in Milford, located at 101 Wellness Way on the Bayhealth Sussex Campus, plays a critical role in the pediatric care network. While it does not operate its own emergency room, it partners closely with Bayhealth Hospital, Sussex Campus for initial emergency care. Children seen in the ER there are often referred to Nemours in Milford for ongoing treatment and specialist care.

Families have access to a full suite of services, including:

Primary Care: Well-child checkups, immunizations, and sick visits
Specialty Services: Cardiology, endocrinology, neurology, orthopedics, gastroenterology, pulmonology, and more
Therapies: Physical, occupational, and nutrition therapy
Behavioral Health: Counseling and psychiatric care
Same-Day Diagnostics: X-rays and lab follow-ups
Video Visits: Secure telehealth appointments with pediatric specialists

The Milford site is open Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., and Fridays until 5:00 p.m., with on-site parking, public transit access, and interpreter services available with advance notice.

Telemedicine Extends Emergency Expertise

One innovation helping bridge the gap between emergency rooms and specialty care is telemedicine. Nemours uses telehealth to connect families in southern Delaware with pediatric experts in Wilmington, providing immediate consultation in both urgent and follow-up care.

In emergency situations, telemedicine may allow Bayhealth clinicians to consult in real-time with Nemours emergency medicine doctors—especially valuable for rare or complex pediatric cases. Afterward, patients and families can schedule virtual visits with Nemours specialists through the Milford location, allowing for continued expert oversight without requiring a long trip north.

This approach not only improves outcomes but also makes specialized care more accessible for families in rural or underserved areas.

“Nemours makes sure my son’s care doesn’t end at the ER,” said Milford parent Sarah T., whose child was referred to Nemours for asthma care. “We’re seen by the same caliber of specialists you’d find in a big city—right here, five minutes from home.”

Coordinated, Whole Child Health

Nemours in Milford emphasizes a team-based approach, coordinating across specialties and addressing physical, emotional, and developmental health in one location. Through its MyChart system, parents can manage appointments, track test results, and message providers—all from their phone or computer.

The presence of Nemours in Milford helps close the pediatric care gap for southern Delaware families and reflects the health system’s mission to transform children’s health through equity, innovation, and whole-child wellness.

For more information or to schedule an appointment at Nemours Children’s Health in Milford, visit www.nemours.org.