New Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai to be dedicated on March 1

The new Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai will be dedicated on Thursday, March 1. The 23,200-square-foot facility features 26 all-private rooms that support the very heart of the family-centered care philosophy. This method of care embraces the family as an integral part of the child's treatment and recovery. The family works alongside the clinical team to ensure the best outcomes for their sick child.

The dedication ceremony and reception on March 1 will be followed by a community open house on March 4. Pediatric patients officially move into the new unit on March 19.

"From pediatric medicine to expert care in specialties such as cancer, neurologic disorders, bowel disease and diabetes, we deliver individualized care focused on the family and patient, involving them in discussions and every decision," said Joseph Wiley, M.D., chief, Department of Pediatrics, the Herman & Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital at Sinai. "The new hospital represents the finest care in a community based setting."

As patients and visitors enter the building, they are greeted by a lobby sculpture that complements the interior marine décor. A live broadcast from the National Aquarium in Baltimore will be available in each patient room and the 3rd floor inpatient lobby during certain hours each day. The interior of the unit is designed to keep children comfortable and entertained. The marine motif and child-friendly features such as a new playroom with a section for kids and teens, video game systems and flat screen TVs in each room, and family gathering areas all advance the family-centered care philosophy. Parents are encouraged to stay with their children 24 hours a day and even sleep and shower in the same room. These features provide more support for families as they handle the challenges of caring for a sick child. Also, on site at the Samuelson Children's Hospital will be a Build-A-Bear store, only the second such hospital-based store in the country.

"I am proud to have such a modern, beautiful space that gives us enhanced patient care capabilities for our children and young adults," said Sinai Hospital President and Chief Operating Officer Neil M. Meltzer. "This project would not have been possible without the level of philanthropic contributions from our generous donors."

With a lead gift of $4 million from the Herman & Walter Samuelson Foundation naming the Children's Hospital in 2007, a total of just over $20 million was received, exceeding the campaign goal of the $29 million project. Out of the total received, $5 million came from the state of Maryland with the remainder from private philanthropic support. The project broke ground in December 2009.

The architect for the Herman and Walter Samuelson Children's Hospital is Hord Coplan Macht Inc. The facility was built by the Whiting-Turner Contracting Company. Leach Wallace Associates are the mechanical and electrical engineers. Daddona Studios Inc. provided the interior decor for the children's playroom and lobby sculpture.