< Arkansas Children's Blog

Emergency Department vs. After-Hours Clinic

Where Should I Take My Child?

Published date: October 30, 2023

It is scary when your child is sick. It can feel even scarier when their primary care physician's office is closed. Do you take your child to an after-hours clinic or the emergency room?

Arkansas Children’s Hospital After-Hours Clinic 

The ACH After-Hours Clinic treats non-life-threatening injuries or illnesses that need immediate attention. Our staff of physicians and nurses are available seven days a week:   

  • Monday-Friday, 5 p.m.-9 p.m. (Last appointment scheduled at 8:45 p.m.)   
  • Saturday and Sunday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. (Last appointment scheduled at 7:45 p.m.)  

    Here are common conditions we treat: 

  • Fever
  • Congestion, cough 
  • Vomiting 
  • Diarrhea
  • Dehydration 
  • Ear infection
  • Minor burns 
  • Cold and flu symptoms 
  • Pink eye
  • Sprain or minor sports injuries 
  • Skin rash 
  • A few episodes of vomiting, without belly pain or signs of dehydration  

Parents or caregivers and ACH employees can receive care for their child at the ACH After-Hours Clinic even if they are not a patient of ACH Primary Care Clinics.

    The clinic will see patients from our partner clinics: 

  • All For Kids Pediatric Clinic
  • Arkansas Pediatric Clinic
  • Barg Family Clinic
  • Cabot Medical Clinic
  • Central Arkansas Pediatric Clinic
  • CHI St. Vincent Primary and Convenient Care (Chenal)
  • CHI St. Vincent Primary and Convenient Care (Kanis)
  • Conway Children's Clinic
  • Little Rock Children's Clinic
  • Little Rock Pediatric Clinic
  • Main Street Medical Clinic
  • Millard Henry - Russellville
  • Saline Med-Peds
  • Saline Pediatric Associates
  • Sherwood Family Medical Center
  • The Pediatric Clinic - North Little Rock
  • TLC Pediatrics (Conway)
  

ACH Emergency Department   

A child needs emergency care when a life-threatening illness, injury or symptom occurs. The ACH Emergency Department, open 24 hours a day, is a Level I trauma center, staffed by pediatricians and pediatric medicine residents certified in pediatric emergency medicine to treat all pediatric emergencies.   

    Here are some common conditions treated in emergency departments:

  • Sudden or intense weakness, dizziness, numbness, vision changes or pain 
  • Difficulty speaking, disoriented   
  • Major head trauma or injury   
  • Seizure 
  • Losing consciousness   
  • Shortness of breath   
  • Stroke, heart attack or painful chest pressure lasting at least two minutes or more 
  • Open fractures or broken bones 
  • Overdose 
  • Homicidal, suicidal feelings   
  • Severe symptoms of the following:   
    • Cuts or burns   
    • Allergic reactions   
    • Bleeding (as well as coughing or vomiting blood)   
    • Vomiting 
    • Diarrhea 
    • Abdominal pain   
Whether your child needs after-hours or emergency care, Arkansas Children’s is here for your family.   

Appointments

New and existing patients can visit our appointment hub for several ways to request an appointment, including online scheduling for many services.

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