Christus Health: The Children's Hospital of San Antonio

With color and a sense of home filling the halls of The Children's Hospital of San Antonio, patients and their families can feel more relaxed during their stay. Hues of Hope To mirror Jesse Trevino's "Spirit of Healing" mural on Houston Street, 11-foot window panels were constructed to stream the same color hues of purple, blue, and orange into children's Hospital rooms. The windows show patients the power of perspective by reconnecting them with sunshine by day and hope by night. The panels — supported by LED lighting — turn into night-lights, encouraging both patients and doctors alike. "As a rule, pediatricians go into their field for a specific reason and devote their entire lives to the care of children," says Mark Gilger, pediatrician in chief of The Children's Hospital of San Antonio and professor and vice chair of the Department of Pediatrics at Baylor College of Medicine. "I think pediatricians are drawn to the colorful, bright lights just as much as the children they serve." The interior of each floor is also painted a bright color, ranging from blues to reds and oranges. Bright color choices are not random, but enhance the recovery process, according to Dr. Gilger. Echoing Hospitality The window panels are just one aspect of the new design that is child- and family-focused. Every floor includes: • A family break room featuring the amenities of home that allow parents to eat breakfast, drink coffee, watch TV, and relax • Laundry services • Multiple nurse stations located strategically near patient rooms Affirming Excellence The Children's Hospital of San Antonio brings top talent and specialty services to the area, including: • A Cancer and Blood Disorders Center, with the recent addition of pediatric rheumatology services • A Neonatal Intensive Care Unit with a level IV nursery • The Heart Center and a team of cardiac specialists • Women's and Labor and Delivery Services "The caliber of private practice physicians and specialists that come from across the country and world to be part of our team is truly remarkable," Dr. Gilger says. "We are building a resource for the city of San Antonio. Patients no longer have to travel to Dallas or Houston for specialty pediatric care." With the recent unveiling of the illuminated glass panels, The Children's Hospital of San Antonio continues to design with patient care in mind. Mark Gilger, MD A Beacon of Hope To learn more about the specialty services available at The Children's Hospital of San Antonio, visit chofsa.org. MEDICINE ON THE MIND Here's how our transformation is helping doctors provide families with the best care: • A simulation center on the third floor provides robotic, pediatric mannequins for training purposes to keep staff, residents, and doctors constantly learning. • A program of family–centered rounds means the workflow of staff and health care providers is more transparent for family members, and that we're more available for any questions they may have. Everything for our children.™ 10 Forever First | Winter 2015 • To find a physician, call 1.844.778.KIDS.

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