Nov. 14 , 2008
Family privacy and peace of mind central to
new Children’s Hospital
| The philosophy of family-centered care permeates every aspect of the design of the new Lawrenceville campus of Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh of UPMC. As a pediatric institution, Children’s Hospital serves not only sick children, but also their families. The new hospital was designed to create a calming environment to help relieve the stress experienced by families with sick or injured children. Filled with soothing natural light, each patient room feels connected to the outside world. In addition, private patient rooms have two sleeping surfaces for parents. |
Families’ privacy and comfort are paramount. Hallway monitor stations and observation windows make it possible for staff to check on a patient without disturbing the family, and pass-through servers make it possible to stock supplies from the hallway without entering the room. These privacy measures also help prevent infection.
In some instances, parents need a moment alone. On every patient unit from floors six to nine, solariums with floor-to-ceiling windows let in natural light and wide Pittsburgh vistas. This enables parents to take a break without leaving their child’s unit.
Technology also contributes to a family’s peace of mind. Every patient room is equipped with Wi-Fi — enabling parents to stay with their sick child while still being able to connect with their lives outside the hospital.