Innovation

Light streams in through large windows on every floor, greeted by playful hues of grape, lime, tangerine and bright lemon.

Lollypop sculptures dangle from the ceiling. Hallways are awash in colorful murals that lead the way into one of the most technologically sophisticated hospitals in the country.

The recently opened Children’s Hospital in Lawrenceville captures innovation on an unprecedented scale, from the physical space to the sophisticated, clinical technology and subtle comfort provided by the green, LEED-certified design.

The 10-story John G. Rangos Sr. Research Center will attract some of the top researchers in the world, doubling the number of researchers on staff with the hiring of 330 over the next five years to accelerate the pace of medical discovery, says Christopher Gessner, president.

The Ronald McDonald House will be on-site, providing a home away from home for patients and families arriving from all over the world.

“That is what is so unique about this new facility,” Gessner says. “It’s all completely integrated and in one place. It really is an undisputed destination for world class pediatric care.”

The innovations are plentiful, making the hospital a bright and tolerable place to be during what may a challenging time for families. A paperless information system will improve safety and quality and the hospital is among 22 in the country to be recognized for its advanced use of electronic medical technology. An atrium opens up for movie screenings, a gigantic pediatric family resource center--one of the largest in the world--is here and 2,000 wireless access points and coverage exist.

Gone are the dark, cramped spaces of Oakland and the “sleeping chair,” the rock-hard Barcalounger for the parents who stayed overnight. Private rooms provide families with couches that open into double beds. “Quiet technology” helps to reduce noise through “soft” wheels on carts, carpeting, acoustic tile ceilings and sound-deadening elevator cab enclosures.

The ribbon has been cut. The hospital officially opens on May 2. Welcome.

For the Pop City development story on Children's Hospital, click here. To view the slideshow, click here.

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Writer: Debra Diamond Smit
Source: Christopher Gessner, Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh

Photograph copyright Brian Cohen