Children’s hospital of the future

Monday 1st September 2008

Officials from Florida Hospital have revealed new details about their visionary plans to shape the "Children's Hospital of the Future" which will make a significant impact on children's health throughout Central Florida and be a model for paediatric hospitals.

Administrators also unveiled the hospital's new name, Disney Children's Hospital at Florida Hospital.  While The Walt Disney Company has long supported children's hospitals both locally and around the world, Disney Children's Hospital will be the first children's hospital to bear the Disney name.

"This hospital will be on the forefront of technology and a model for patient experience that will be truly dedicated to the well-being of children," said Marla Silliman, administrator of Disney Children's Hospital at Florida Hospital.

One of the keystones of this visionary plan is the creation of a dedicated children's emergency department that will be the first in the US to feature Ambient Experience Design solutions from Philips.

First impressions set at the entrance, in addition to patient rooms and dedicated play areas, are designed to soothe young patients and their families. Areas throughout the department will feature lighting and design elements to bring the comforts of outside into the hospital setting. Patient treatment rooms will offer animation selections on the ceiling accompanied by soft lighting and music, allowing "escapes" to areas such as the beach or mountains.

Technology will extend to the in-room experience as well, where the first Interactive Patient Care technology of its kind in Central Florida will allow bedside access to the GetWellNetwork Patient-Life System so that pediatric patients can play video games, watch movies and surf the Internet.  Parents may also view the latest information on childhood obesity, asthma, diabetes and other topics through patient education videos on the same system. 

The new dedicated lobby and entrance for Disney Children's Hospital is expected to open in mid-2009.  The three-level lobby designed by Walt Disney Imagineers will feature several of the most beloved Disney characters from The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, Brother Bear and The Jungle Book.

Disney Children's Hospital at Florida Hospital is currently undergoing construction and renovation, which is expected to be completed by 2010.  The project continues to rely on the generous philanthropic support of the community. 

When complete, the 200-bed hospital will have family-centered pediatric rooms; a first-of-its-kind, dedicated pediatric Emergency Department featuring ambient lighting; an Advanced Center for Pediatric Surgery led by renowned surgeons; destination pediatric programs including advanced surgery, oncology, neurosurgery, cardiology, transplant services and full-service pediatrics; and an innovative Health and Obesity platform.

Florida Hospital