Caroline M.
Yelp
The time has come!
The new Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital is now open as of June 9, 2012. All day today they are transporting patients from the old Children's Memorial Hospital in Lincoln Park to the new space downtown. Let's hope it's a seamless transition.
The last couple of months I have had the pleasure to help out with tours and special events for the new hospital. I learned a lot about the new space and was genuinely touched by the enthusiasm and generosity of all the donors, hospital staff, board members, doctors, former patients and general public who supported the building and opening of the new hospital.
Some interesting tidbits I would like to share:
-The hospital gets it's new name after Ann Lurie donated $100 million on behalf of herself and her late husband. Now that's some fine philanthropy.
-This is part hospital, part museum. The hospital partnered with many different community organizations including the Shedd Aquarium, Lincoln Park Zoo, Snow City Arts, the Lookingglass Theatre and The Field Museum just to name a few. The displays, artwork and murals help to provide learning experiences, hope, comfort and healing.
-The emergency room was designed with a substantial increase in capacity for patients, now being able to see about 75,000 patients a year whereas before the old space was operating way over capacity, serving about 65,000 patients a year. There is a beautiful tropical aquarium and coral garden in the emergency waiting area. The emergency rooms even have pictures of sea animals on the ceiling so when patients are laying in beds they can look up to see a smiling dolphin or the face of a cute and friendly seal.
-At 23 stories tall, this is the tallest children's hospital in the world.
-There are 2 bridges that connect Prentice Woman's Hospital to Lurie Children's Hospital so now Moms can easily see their newborns, when before they were separated by about 3 miles with the old hospital being in Lincoln Park.
-On the 12th floor, there is a custom made Fire truck cab for children to climb in. They can even turn on the lights! It was also designed with kids in wheelchairs in mind, so they can get in and feel like they are driving the truck.
-There are on-site tutors, a hair salon, and even a place to get massages for families of extended stay patients.
-There are awesome play areas designed for the siblings of patients and designated areas for teens if they wish utilize a space of their own. There is even a production room where kids can watch and participate in the on-site hospital TV show being made.
What a wonderful accomplishment for Chicago.
To patients and families visiting, I hope you find comfort and healing here.