Florida Hospital announced new details about their visionary plans to shape the ‘Children’s Hospital of the Future,’ which will make a significant impact on children’s health throughout Central Florida and be a model for pediatric hospitals beyond the region.
The plans include sophisticated, interactive technology for patients; accomplished pediatric physicians who specialize in advanced, minimally invasive surgery; and a former United States Surgeon General who will provide leadership for the children’s health and policy platform. Administrators also unveiled the hospital’s new name, Disney Children’s Hospital at Florida Hospital. While The Walt Disney Company has long supported children’s hospitals both locally and around the world, Disney Children’s Hospital will be the first children’s hospital in history to bear the Disney name.
“This hospital will be on the forefront of technology and a model for patient experience that will be truly dedicated to the well-being of children,” said Marla Silliman, administrator of Disney Children’s Hospital at Florida Hospital.
One of the keystones of this visionary plan is the creation of a dedicated children’s emergency department that will be the first in the country to feature Ambient Experience Design solutions from Philips. First impressions set at the entrance, in addition to patient rooms and dedicated play areas, are designed to soothe young patients and their families. Areas throughout the department will feature lighting and design elements to bring the comforts of outside into the hospital setting. Patient treatment rooms will offer animation selections on the ceiling accompanied by soft lighting and music, allowing “escapes” to areas such as the beach or mountains.
“Philips is delivering a captivating and comforting, child-friendly space. We're incorporating the latest in clinical design and technologies, as well as elements, to provide calming, positive assurances to patients and their families,” said Brent Shafer, executive vice president and CEO, North America, for Philips Healthcare. “In collaboration with Disney Children’s Hospital, we're aiming to define the ‘Children’s Hospital of the Future.’”
The new dedicated lobby and entrance for Disney Children’s Hospital is expected to open in mid-2009. The three-level lobby designed by Walt Disney Imagineers will feature several of the most beloved Disney characters from “The Little Mermaid,” “The Lion King,” “Brother Bear” and “The Jungle Book.”
“Walt Disney World Resort is committed to the dreams of children in our community, and we’re pleased to lend some of our magic to Disney Children’s Hospital at Florida Hospital,” said Shannon McAleavey, senior vice president of Public Affairs for Walt Disney World Resort. “This will be a special place that will enable children to use their imaginations in a unique, immersive environment that will contribute to their overall health and healing.”
In the lobby, children of all ages will be able to draw individual markings on a cave wall, create jungle sounds on musical step pads, fish for virtual salmon, or play in a magical world of popping bubbles and dancing sea horses. And each night as the sun sets, the lobby will transform into a celestial display as unique as each child, featuring constellations on the ceiling and a musical score created by the young patients.
“The partnership between Florida Hospital and Disney demonstrates that Central Florida is quickly becoming known just as much for medicine and science as it is for its thriving tourism industry,” said Lars Houmann, president of Florida Hospital and chairman of bioOrlando. “We believe Disney Children’s Hospital will provide the blueprint for other children’s hospitals in the future.”
Disney Children’s Hospital at Florida Hospital is currently undergoing construction and renovation, which is expected to be completed by 2010. The project continues to rely on the generous philanthropic support of the community.
When complete, the seven-story, 200-bed hospital will have family-centered pediatric rooms; a first-of-its-kind, dedicated pediatric Emergency Department featuring ambient lighting; an Advanced Center for Pediatric Surgery led by renowned surgeons; destination pediatric programs including advanced surgery, oncology, neurosurgery, cardiology, transplant services and full-service pediatrics; and an innovative Health and Obesity platform.