Memorial Sickle Adolescent Program
Memorial Sickle Cell Day Hospital at Memorial Regional Hospital offers treatment for acute and chronic sickle cell syndromes, as well as guidance and support to help teens transition smoothly into adult care.
The Adolescent Program at Memorial Sickle Cell Day Hospital, for patients age 13 to 16, teaches teenagers how to handle the physical aspects of sickle cell disease, as well as ways of coping with emotional stress. With staff assistance, they can begin to direct their own care and take responsibility for their daily health requirements, including pain management, nutrition, exercise and rest.
The Day Hospital also becomes a permanent “medical home” where patients can continue treatment throughout adulthood.
The benefits of the Adolescent Program include:
- Age-appropriate care and counseling in a quiet, comfortable setting
- Collaboration between Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital physicians and adult care physicians who specialize in sickle cell disease and its treatment
- Prompt, aggressive treatment for acute pain crises in an average of five hours, with the added benefit of avoiding or reducing hospital admission
- Tracking of a patient’s growth, development and pain history to provide highly individualized care
- Access to a Broward County Public Schools teacher during treatment or hospitalization
- Smooth transition from pediatric to adult care
For additional information or to make an appointment, call Joe DiMaggio Children’s Hospital Pediatric Specialty Center at (954) 986-2234. You also may call the Sickle Cell Disease Information Line at Memorial Regional Hospital at (954) 985-6945 or call us toll-free at 800-388-5192. Information is also available in English, Spanish, Creole and French.