Seton's pediatric star reflects on accomplishments, looks to future
AUSTIN, TX -(JUNE 26, 2010) -On Saturday, June 26, Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas, a member of the Seton Family of Hospitals, celebrates its third birthday. Since Dell Children's opened in the summer of 2007, the facility, which offers a new level of pediatric care to the 46-county area, has scored an impressive list of achievements including:
- Attracted some of the nation's top pediatric specialists;
- Designated as a Level I Pediatric Trauma Center, the only one in Central Texas and just the third Level I Pediatric Trauma Center in Texas;
- Certified as the world's first LEED Platinum hospital in the world, LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) is awarded by the U.S. Green Building Council;
- Opened the Pediatric Neurosurgery Center of Central Texas, featuring an epilepsy/pre-surgery monitoring unit;
- Created the Comfort Zone, a one-of-a-kind Emergency Department program which optimizes children's comfort and care to reduce the fear and pain that can accompany a child's visit to the ED;
- Installed the IMRISneuro, a fully integrated operating room suite that includes a moveable MRI machine -- the technology allows surgeons to use advanced imaging techniques on patients during surgery to rule out complications before the patient leaves the operating room;
- Advanced children?s public health policy.
"In just three years, more than 122,000 children have received expert pediatric care at Dell Children's in a unique environment that alleviates anxiety," says Bob Bonar, President and CEO of Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas. "Renowned pediatric specialists have relocated to practice here and conduct medical research which will lead to new life-changing and life-saving treatments."
To meet growing needs, Dell Children's expanded its Emergency Department in October 2008. Plans are in development for a third bed tower to house rehabilitation services.
Dell Children's is marking the event by holding a community-wide birthday party in the Healing Garden Saturday from 10:00 a.m. till 2:00 p.m.
Activities include crafts and face painting, banner painting, a STAR Flight helicopter liftoff, and a special performance by Sara Hickman. Important health and safety information will be available, as well as special appearances by Clifford the Big Red Dog presented by KLRU, Sponge Bob's pal, Patrick Star, Spike from the Round Rock Express, Da Bull from Austin Toros and H-E-Buddy.
There will also be guided tours of the facility. Inside, guests will view the remarkable art collection which, according to Bonar, helps patients achieve more successful clinical outcomes.
"Throughout history, art has been used as part of the process of healing,"explains Bonar. "By providing a nurturing setting - whether it's a piece of artwork, a courtyard or other symbols - we're able to use these surroundings to join young patients' spirits, minds and health."
To learn more about Dell Children?s many other achievements of the past three years and what the future holds, visit www.dellchildrens.net .