Tigers And Toucans At New Children’s Hospital

Dr. Caughman Taylor on the aquatic-themed ground floor of the new Palmetto Health Children’s Hospital.

The very first patients at the new freestanding Palmetto Health Children's Hospital found some surprises in store when they arrived in June. Awaiting them were a life-size lion sculpture, a snow-white polar bear on a sled, and a collection of tropical birds dangling from a ceiling. Not only do all six floors of the facility feature animal décor, but each also centers on a particular wildlife habitat. A huge educational mural on each floor features the animals that live in that environment.

"Education is a great way to entertain, soothe, and support families. You can't walk in without being uplifted, without feeling hope and caring," said Dr. Caughman Taylor, chair of the Department of Pediatrics at the USC School of Medicine and medical director of Palmetto Health Children's Hospital. The kid-friendly design is just one highlight of the 96-bed facility at Seven Medical Park.  When patients and their parents arrive at the hospital, it's immediately obvious that they have set foot in a place specifically dedicated to children. At the centralized patient reception area on the rainforest floor, they can easily access whatever service they need, whether it be admission to one of the four inpatient units, a diagnostic test in radiology, or scheduled surgical procedure.

"What we used to have were children's programs within an adult hospital, and we have done a very good job with that," Dr. Taylor said. He added, "We just didn't have the space or the amenities we needed to be as family-centered, kid- friendly, and efficient as we wanted to be." Family members and other visitors will find it easy to navigate their way around the inpatient units, with each wing named after a particular animal, such as the zebra wing on the grasslands floor and the arctic fox wing on the polar floor.

Other new features include special rooms for parents to shower and catch some sleep, access to washers and dryers, and spacious, comfortable waiting areas. The pediatric intensive care and intermediate intensive care units are outfitted with the latest in monitoring systems, and a day hospital on the second floor allows children to come in as outpatients for certain types of specialized treatments. A surgery center will follow in 2009, adding separate facilities for children to prepare for and recover from surgery.

As patients utilize the new building, Dr. Taylor looks forward to the positive impact Children's Hospital will have. "When a child is hospitalized, all of a parent's worst fears and worries come rushing in. We wanted to create an environment in which anxiety is lowered, and where families' needs are met outside of the child's medical treatment." He's also thrilled to see years of planning come together. "As physicians we are thankful to everyone who made this dream a reality. It was a collaborative effort and a labor of love for a dream we’ve had for 20 years."

Reprinted from Connections newsletter, August 2008

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