December 11, 2009/-Hospital officials, community members and health care partners celebrated the opening of Kingston General Hospital’s new pediatric inpatient unit today. The new space marks the completion of one of nine redevelopment projects planned for Hotel Dieu Hospital, Kingston General Hospital and Providence Care. 

The new 25-bed unit at Kingston General Hospital will consolidate pediatric care to one floor and allow staff to provide seamless programs and better access to specialist consultations. 

Highlights of the new 18,000-square foot unit include:

·        An increase from four critical care beds to six

·        Single patient rooms for more privacy and infection control

·        Eight isolation rooms to help reduce hospital-acquired infections

·        A new, dedicated rehabilitation therapy room

·        Mechanical lifts in every patient room

·        State-of-the-art articulating arms/booms to replace traditional headwalls in critical care areas

·        A new art program that allows patients to customize room décor; and

·        Green features including:

         o       energy efficient lighting and windows;

         o       automatic faucets to reduce water consumption; and

         o       solar shades to reduce interior heat gain and minimize need for air conditioning in the summer.

Patients are expected to move into the new space within one week.  

“The new pediatric inpatient unit is just the first of many phases of redevelopment that will allow us to expand and renovate to help us deliver on our commitment of outstanding care, always,” said Leslee Thompson, President and CEO, Kingston General Hospital. “We are excited to move our patients into this new, bright, family-friendly space. This is truly a milestone event for Kingston General Hospital, our staff, our patients and our community.”

 “We are thrilled to see the results of our donors’ investment and generosity, along with the support of the ministry,” said Ian Wilson, Chair of the Together We Can Campaign for Kingston’s hospitals. “Each person who has contributed to the Together We Can Campaign can feel good today knowing that gifts to help patient care really do make a difference. We continue to raise funds for all of the hospitals’ redevelopment projects, including pediatrics, and are looking forward to celebrating more openings in the New Year!”