Novant starts on pediatric emergency center with backing from NASCAR figures

HUNTERSVILLE, N.C. — Novant Health broke ground today on a $2.4 million pediatric emergency department at Huntersville Medical Center.

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The 5,000-square-foot space will have nine beds relocated from the existing 32-bed emergency department. There will be a separate entrance for pediatric patients, plus a separate triage and nurse station. Donors, many involved with NASCAR, are helping to design the new rooms with a bright, child-friendly racing theme.

Current staff is trained to treat pediatric patients, including a child life specialist to help manage stress, but the hospital will likely add more specialized care over time, said Mike Riley, president and chief operating officer at the hospital.

“Imagine you’re a kid and you’re sick ... and you go to the ER and you’re in this sterile room that looks really, really scary,” Riley said. “Compare that to walking into a room where there’s race cars on the wall or it looks like you’re in the pit or it looks like you’re in the stands. That alone will make the kids feel a lot better.”

Race-car driver Martin Truex Jr. and his partner, Sherry Pollex, contributed the lead investment through the Martin Truex Jr. Foundation.

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