Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital Gets An Extreme Makeover

Includes Family-Friendly Lobby and Updated Center for Preemies

BALTIMORE, Nov. 29, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital in Baltimore showed off its new baby at a reception for donors – a nearly $9 million dollar expansion including a new lobby and an upgrade to its center for premature babies. The event was held for more than 60 donors who were among the first to see the new story wall chronicling the history of the 90-year-old children's specialty hospital.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121129/DC21320)

A cornerstone of the four-year capital campaign was an upgrade to the Center for Neonatal Transitional Care (CNTC) – capacity was increased by 20 percent, allowing for an additional 100-150 premature and sick babies under age two to be treated there each year.

"This expansion addresses a growing need in the community," says Vice President of Medical Affairs Richard Katz, M.D.  "Advances in medical technology and expertise mean more babies are able to survive earlier in their development. However, many are born with complications and need further treatment before they can go home. That's why we're here."

In fact, the transitional neonatal center at Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital is the only one of its kind in the mid-Atlantic region. The 1,500 square foot expansion includes additions to make the average month-long stay easier on families – upgrades include a family lounge with a kitchen, comfortable chairs and media, individual rooms for overnight stays, and larger patient rooms.

In thanking donors, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital President and CEO Sheldon Stein talked about the many ways their contributions will help patients – for instance, the infant wing is designed so that no one can walk eight feet without finding a sink in which to wash up.

"Parents and caregivers also can receive instruction from trained staff and watch training videos about their child's medical equipment right at crib side – an important component in ensuring that the medical needs of every child are met, so that they are able to transition to home," Stein said.

The new lobby, designed by architectural firm Hord-Coplan-Macht, features bubbling water-filled clear columns that change colors, similar to those at the National Aquarium in Baltimore, as well as a popular high-tech interactive game wall designed to entertain, but also to get kids moving.

A colorful donor wall now recognizes more than $8.7 million in contributions that have been raised to date. Campaign Chair Carole Sibel told the crowd the hospital hopes to raise another half million dollars which will be placed in the hospital endowment fund.

About Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital (MWPH)

Since 1922, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital has played a unique role in child-centered care in Maryland. Like our prestigious affiliates, the University of Maryland Medical and Johns Hopkins Health systems, we strive to provide world-class care – and add family to it.

Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital: Where children go to heal and grow.
Read more: http://www.mwph.org.

Photos: http://www.flickr.com/photos/kidshealandgrow/

News Contact:
Kathleen Lee
Director of PR
[email protected]
443-386-7003 cell
410-578-2681 office

SOURCE Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital