Level I
We are a Level I Trauma Center for pediatric patients, as verified by the American College of Surgeons. This means we perform at the highest level when it comes to caring for children involved in a trauma.
Overview
A perfect place for healing
Welcome to American Family Children’s Hospital, where your child will be treated as if they’re one of our very own kids. We offer the most advanced medical care directed by University of Wisconsin pediatricians and pediatric surgeons – all in a state-of-the-art, family-friendly facility with cozy amenities. We want you to go home with a heathier child and positive memories about your experience.
For more information about your stay or visit, please consult our Patient and Family Visitor Guide.
49States
Since the opening of American Family Children’s Hospital in 2007, we have proudly cared for children and families from 49 of the 50 states!
262Doctors
Number of UW Health Kids doctors who specialize in caring for children, including pediatricians and surgeons trained in every field possible — from brain surgery to cancer to cardiology.
COVID-19
Our current visitor policy
Due to COVID-19, no more than two primary support people (no siblings) may visit hospitalized children or accompany children to a clinic appointment. All visitors must wear masks and will be screened upon entering.
Facility highlights
A children’s hospital with lots of creature comforts
Families get the best of both worlds at American Family Children’s Hospital. Your child is our primary focus, but we also keep a close eye on moms, dads, brothers, sisters and grandparents. Our roots on the University of Wisconsin campus in Madison go back to 1920. That’s a full century of experts bringing the latest research advances in pediatric medicine to your child’s bedside. Many of these discoveries occurred on this very campus, including trailblazing treatments for children with cancer, cystic fibrosis and asthma.
Highlights include:
Treating your child like our own
Many of our patient families are pleasantly surprised by the warm, family-friendly feel of our children’s hospital. Parents often say, “They answer every question no matter how many times I ask,” or “They really listen and involve parents in the decisions.”
For more information about your stay or visit, please consult our Patient and Family Visitor Guide.
World-class care + down-home friendliness
Bringing a child to the hospital can be scary. Once you arrive, however, it won’t be long before you know that your child is in the right place. Here, it’s not only about extraordinary care you’d expect from a leading children’s hospital, but the personal touches that make our family part of your family.
Many families tell us that they never felt treated like a number. We take great pride in that compliment.
For more information about your stay or visit, please consult our Patient and Family Visitor Guide.
More fun and less fear
Child Life Specialists are specially trained to make your child’s time in the hospital less scary and a lot more fun than she or he might imagine. Families often remember the name of the Child Life Specialist who found just the perfect video game, craft, art project or movie that put an unforgettable smile on their child’s face. We have 18 Child Life Specialists on staff, and they are ready to make your child’s stay special.
For more information about your stay or visit, please consult our Patient and Family Visitor Guide.
Amenities
Plenty of Room
Our spacious, colorful rooms are big enough to accommodate families, many of whom “move in” with us while their child is hospitalized. A sofa-sleeper in each room allows a parent or caregiver to spend the night alongside their child.
Salon care
Our Positive Image Center allows children to ease anxiety during their stay. Salon services include haircuts and styles, temporary hair coloring, hair sparkles and feathers, wig fitting and application, nail painting and make-up application.
Parking
Please use the American Family Children’s Hospital parking ramp at 1675 Highland Ave., Madison WI 53792. For clinic appointments, bring your parking ticket inside for validation. If staying overnight, you’ll receive up to two free parking passes.
Visitors
Up to two primary support persons are allowed with a child either in the hospital or for clinic visit. No siblings or other visitors are currently allowed due to COVID-19. A patient’s care team may make compassionate exceptions when appropriate.
Care for siblings
Unfortunately, our sibling care service – normally available to siblings of patients ages 3-12 – is currently closed due to COVID-19. We look forward to resuming this service.
Featured services
Remarkable pediatric specialty care
A nationally acclaimed pediatric heart program
If your child has a heart problem, you’ll want expert care from a hospital with an outstanding track record. Our program also is recognized for its superior surgical outcomes and shorter hospital stays for kids who have open heart surgery.
Pioneers in the fight against childhood cancer
For more than 50 years, the UW Health Kids cancer care team has been at the forefront of developing newer, more effective treatments that save more lives. Thanks to innovative methods that harness the body’s immune system to fight cancer, more children than ever are being cured, with fewer side effects. If your child or someone you know receives a cancer diagnosis, the UW Health Kids cancer team is your clear choice.
Saving the lives of sick babies
Most babies, thankfully, are born without complications. If, however, your baby’s life hangs in the balance because of a complex medical condition, American Family Children’s Hospital is one of just two places in Wisconsin with a Level IV Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) that is licensed to care for the very sickest babies. UW Health Kids experts in neonatology, pediatric surgery and every pediatric specialty imaginable are here for you and your baby.
Emergency care
Emergency Room Information
We are located at 1675 Highland Ave., Madison WI 53792, just a bit north of the intersection of University Avenue and University Bay Drive.
For Emergencies, set your GPS for “American Family Children’s Hospital in Madison, WI 53792”
At the intersection of University Avenue and University Bay Drive, proceed north on University Bay Drive, which quickly becomes Highland Avenue.
Follow the signs for UW Health Emergency Department and turn into the Emergency parking area.
Unique for our region, our Emergency Department includes a team of doctors with extra training in caring for children. We are also a Level I trauma center, which is the highest level possible. While we’re caring for your child, you will meet our popular Child Life staff, who seem to know exactly how to put a smile on a kid of any age in a scary situation.
Pediatric Emergency Department
Parking and transportation
General Parking Information (non-emergency)
We are located at 1675 Highland Ave., Madison WI 53792, just a bit north of the intersection of Campus Drive and University Bay Drive.
Just here for the day?
Park in the American Family Children’s Hospital parking ramp. Bring your parking ticket with you inside the hospital to have it validated for free parking.
Staying overnight?
Up to two primary visitors (usually parents or guardian) may receive free parking passes with in-and-out privileges. Details will be provided when you arrive. Due to COVID-19, we regret that additional visitors (including siblings) are currently not allowed at American Family Children’s Hospital.
In detail
Additional resources for your stay or visit
Your charitable gift makes a difference
Gifts to American Family Children’s Hospital help ease the financial and emotional burden of patients and their families by providing free meals, sibling care, medical supplies, financial grants, and gas cards; create a positive patient experience through the services of Child Life; fund innovative care programs and rapidly respond to new and emergent needs.