суббота, 6 октября 2012 г.

METROPOLITAN HOSPITAL CENTER CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF NEW PEDIATRIC INPATIENT UNIT. - States News Service

NEW YORK, NY -- The following information was released by the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC):

Metropolitan Hospital Center today announced the grand opening of its new, $3.2 million Pediatric Inpatient Unit, which integrates the highest quality medical care for children with a beautiful, nurturing environment that fosters patient safety and healthy recovery. Alan Muraoka, who plays the proprietor of 'Hooper's Store' on 'Sesame Street,' was the Master of Ceremonies at the special event.

'Metropolitan's new inpatient unit is the successful realization of our wish to provide our youngest patients with the most beautiful surroundings possible,' said Meryl Weinberg, BSN, MA, Executive Director of Metropolitan Hospital Center. 'Our children and their families are receiving the highest quality medical care in a setting that clearly demonstrates our commitment to their health and well being.'

Metropolitan Hospital provides comprehensive care to thousands of newborns, infants, children and adolescents through its inpatient and ambulatory care services. The new 7,500-square-foot Pediatric Inpatient Unit accommodates 14 patients and each of the eight bedrooms has the latest in high-tech medical equipment as well as a flat screen television and its own bathroom and shower facilities. The centerpiece of the unit is a sparkling new playroom equipped with a spectacular, 250-gallon saltwater aquarium.

The space conforms to American Institute of Architects guidelines and was designed to provide a child-friendly environment with an emphasis on patient safety. It replaces a unit that was originally opened in 1955 and had become antiquated.

'Our goal is to provide a bit of joy and happiness in the lives of our patients,' added Ms. Weinberg.

Dorothy Johnson, RN, who is head nurse of the pediatric unit and has worked in Metropolitan's Pediatric Services since 1978, cut the ribbon at the entrance to the new space. Also participating in the event was Lynda D. Curtis, Senior Vice President of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC) and its South Manhattan Healthcare Network. Metropolitan Hospital Center is a member facility of HHC. They were joined by Jenny Morgenthau, Executive Director of the Fresh Air Fund, who announced the kickoff for registration of the organization's popular summer programs.

Funding for the $3.2 million renovation project was provided by a New York State HEAL grant, the Starlight Children's Foundation, the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation, and the Metropolitan Hospital Center Auxiliary.

More than 1,300 babies were delivered at Metropolitan Hospital Center in 2011. The hospital's Pediatric Ambulatory Care Service has more than 30,000 visits annually, including well baby care, preventive care, a Children's Asthma Program, nutrition counseling services and adolescent medicine services.

About Metropolitan Hospital Center

Metropolitan Hospital Center (MHC) is the community hospital of choice for residents of East Harlem, northern Manhattan and neighboring communities. Metropolitan provides culturally-sensitive care in a welcoming and hospitable setting, emphasizing primary care medicine and utilizing the latest advances in medical science. Metropolitan Hospital Center is part of the New York City Health and Hospitals Corporation (HHC), the largest municipal hospital and health care system in the country.

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