New pediatric urgent care opens in southeast Aurora for families

Children's Hospital Colorado has opened a new pediatric urgent care center in southeast Aurora, which began operations in late August. This facility, located at 23770 E. Smoky Hill Road, is designed specifically for children and offers a variety of services, including 20 pediatric specialties such as radiology, lab services, and audiology. The center features 11 urgent care exam rooms, seven orthopedic/rehabilitation exam rooms, and 16 specialty clinic exam rooms, along with an outdoor sports field and an ophthalmology clinic with an in-house retail shop. The urgent care center aims to provide a more affordable alternative to emergency department visits, addressing the community's need for accessible pediatric care. Suzy Jaeger, the chief patient experience and access officer, noted that the center has already exceeded expectations, with a significant increase in patient volume on its opening day. This surge reflects the demand for pediatric services in the area, especially as many urgent care facilities have closed following the COVID-19 pandemic. The center operates with clinic hours from Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., and urgent care services available from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., 365 days a year. Appointments for specialty services require a referral from primary care providers, ensuring a streamlined process for families seeking care. By focusing on pediatric needs, the facility aims to create a calming environment for children and their families, ultimately contributing to better health outcomes and reducing the risk of severe illnesses among young patients in the community.