Families Drive Change in Surgery Waiting Renovation
Same Day Waiting Room Redesign
Cincinnati Children's staff and families created a warm, welcoming atmosphere with clear signage and new color schemes.
New features include plasma TVs, relaxing scenery and music, and a graphic mural and a computer station with laptop hookups and desktops.
A child plays at the game station in the Same Day Surgery waiting area.
Working with Perioperative Services and construction staff, Family Advisory Council members designed the "ideal" surgical waiting room at Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center.
Together, Cincinnati Children's staff and families created a warm, welcoming atmosphere with clear signage and fresh new color schemes for families and patients to relax and play during their surgical experience.
On March 14, 2005, Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center celebrated the grand opening of the newly renovated surgical waiting area on B3.
A large crowd, consisting of families, staff, board members and media turned out to see firsthand the transformation of a once drab waiting area to a bright and welcoming oasis for families.
Cindi Bedinghaus, RN, senior clinical director, Post Anesthesia Care Unit, and Amy Clawson, parent coordinator and co-chair of the renovation task force, offered thanks to the families whose input was a driving force in making the project a reality.
Said Clawson, "We were told to dream big when we started. Well, this is the dream come true -- to have a space that meets the emotional and physical needs of children and families during their surgical experience."
The new waiting area, designed by GBBN architects, features brightly colored furniture arranged in clusters, LCD widescreen TVs showing soothing aquatic scenes, wood laminate flooring, a cheerful play area and a beverage station where families can get something to eat and drink while they wait.
Seating clusters with fun, yet soothing, wall décor and more available amenities will provide a soothing, comfortable space. Larger consultation rooms and more privacy add comfort to both staff and families.
Large, comfortable consultation rooms allow families some quiet and privacy, while computer hookups provide the opportunity to work and keep in touch with other family members and friends.
Jim Anderson, president and CEO, was on hand to cut the ceremonial ribbon, with the help of children of Family Advisory Council Task Force members, all of whom have been Cincinnati Children's patients.
Said Anderson, "The redesign and implementation of the waiting room renovation is a concrete sign of our commitment to families. I thank Amy and all the task force members for their persistence and good judgment."
The Same Day Surgery staff will continue asking families for feedback to determine future improvements.
View Surgical Waiting Room Renovation Designs
Download the Cincinnati Children's Same Day Surgical Waiting Room renovation designs in portable document format.
Cincinnati Children's Same Day Surgical Waiting Room renovation showing larger consultation room and seating areas
Cincinnati Children's Surgical Waiting Room renovation showing flat screen television amenity
