Karl Hellstrand

Physician Leader, Pediatrics, Emergency Department

Saint Mary’s Hospital

For his outstanding leadership in advancing pediatric emergency care at Saint Mary’s Hospital, it is with great honor that we submit Karl Hellstrand, D.O., as our CHA Healthcare Hero. Since joining Saint Mary’s in 2017, Dr. Hellstrand has transformed pediatric emergency services, ensuring exceptional care for the community’s youngest patients. Saint Mary’s Emergency Department Pediatric Services is the only one of its kind in the greater Waterbury region, with a dedicated team of five highly trained pediatric emergency physicians. Under Dr. Hellstrand’s leadership, the department has implemented critical protocols and best practices that have enhanced patient outcomes and streamlined care. His efforts have strengthened the collaboration between Saint Mary’s and the Connecticut Children’s inpatient unit, creating an expedited admissions process to minimize the time children spend in the emergency department. He introduced high- and low-fidelity simulation training for medical staff, strengthening emergency response skills. Through partnerships with Saint Francis Hospital and Yale New Haven Hospital, he has expanded simulation training, reinforcing Saint Mary’s commitment to continuous improvement. Dr. Hellstrand has also positioned Saint Mary’s as a key player in national pediatric initiatives. Under his leadership, the hospital joined the Emergency Medical Services for Children (EMSC) program, an initiative that works to improve pre-hospital and in-hospital pediatric care. Additionally, Saint Mary’s became an affiliate site for the Pediatric Readiness Quality Collaborative (PRQC), earning an improved pediatric readiness score of 91, up from 70 in 2017. Through these programs, Dr. Hellstrand has helped refine standards of care and improve pediatric readiness scores, significantly elevating the hospital’s ability to meet the needs of its youngest patients. Dr. Hellstrand’s leadership and dedication have profoundly impacted Saint Mary’s Hospital and the broader community. His unwavering commitment to excellence makes him a truly deserving candidate for this prestigious recognition.

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