Volunteer inspires hospital to honor her in big way

The Pediatric Unit at Baptist Children’s Hospital, where some of the tiniest patients receive care, was named for one of the hospital’s most selfless caregivers – Julie Emmitt. What’s special about this honor is that Emmitt isn’t a doctor or a nurse. She’s a volunteer whose extraordinary service spans more than a decade and thousands of donated hours dedicated to helping care for the sickest children.  

Jeanne Vranes, RN, director of the Pediatric Unit, said volunteers play a critical role in hospital operations and are considered part of the hospital family. “This is one way we can honor their many contributions to our success and our community,” Vranes said. “Julie had a gift for transforming what could be a very scary time for our hospitalized children, into a happy and memorable occasion. She never missed the chance to celebrate holidays, birthdays, and any occasion with the patients and their families to help make their stay more comfortable and joyful.” Vranes said.

The Baptist Children’s Hospital, which opened in 1997, is located at North Central Baptist Hospital (NCBH) and offers comprehensive pediatric surgery and care including a dedicated state-of-the-art Pediatric Emergency Room.

On the afternoon of May 6, with Emmitt and her family present, Vranes, RN, along with NCBH hospital leaders and members of the Stone Oak Business Association, conducted a special ribbon-cutting ceremony to mark the occasion and unveil the sign highlighting the Pediatric Unit’s new name – Julie Emmitt’s Center for Pediatric Care at the Baptist Children’s Hospital. The Baptist Children’s Hospital Pediatric Unit is located at North Central Baptist Hospital, 520 Madison Oak Drive, San Antonio, TX 78258.