Press release: A redesign of the lobby at The Children’s Hospital at Sacred Heart now means a peaceful and more welcoming arrival to the hospital for sick children, pregnant women and their loved ones.
One hundred physicians, hospital leaders, associates and former patients gathered on Tuesday, June 9 for a blessing and dedication ceremony for the newly redesigned Children’s Hospital lobby, which included a ribbon-cutting led by former patients and family members and a special performance by the Pensacola Children’s Chorus Ensemble Choir. Henry Stovall, president of Sacred Heart Hospital Pensacola, also announced The Children’s Hospital’s new mascots – a pair of turtles named in an employee voting contest as Rufus and Tilly.
Open in its current location since 1996, The Children’s Hospital lobby has received a complete facelift of gently colored walls, floor patterns and ceiling decorations, as well as a sea-themed mural painted by local artist Ashton Howard.
The information desk has moved so that guest liaisons can be closer to and facing the entrance doors, making staff more visible and accessible to patients and guests, in addition to enhancing security for all. The new lobby also includes the new Sandcastles and Dreams Gift Shop, staffed by hospital volunteers and completely devoted to merchandise to comfort pediatric and obstetric patients.
“For us, this project is very much about improving our patient care. The people who walk through these doors – whether that be a pregnant woman with a high risk for complications, a mother about to deliver her baby, a seriously ill child or a loved one coming to visit – are often anxious and scared,†said Stovall. “Our goal is to provide each person with a comforting, healing environment. We are proud to unveil this beautiful new space to our community today.â€
Construction took about three months to complete. In addition to The Children’s Hospital, this lobby also serves as a primary entrance for pregnant mothers in need of obstetrical services – including the Labor and Delivery Unit, the Obstetrical Emergency Care Center, The Nesting Place Women’s Boutique and the Regional Perinatal Center for High-Risk Pregnancy.