After a multiyear $250,000 renovation and expansion project made possible by generous donor support, the Pediatric Specialty Center at Centra Virginia Baptist Hospital opened January 15 with more space for services, new furniture and a modern, child-friendly appearance.
The 3,227-square-foot center now houses six pediatric service lines: allergy, endocrinology, genetics, lactation, neurodevelopmental and pulmonary.
“More children can receive the specialized care they so desperately need in a space that is inviting and comfortable,” said Kim Price, DNP, RN, RNC-NA. “Families won’t have to drive as far for care.”
The project’s completion was celebrated with a ribbon cutting ceremony February 21.
Centra President and CEO Amy Carrier lauded the efforts of Caregivers, donors and local vendors. “Thanks to their work and support, more children in our community who need specialty care close to home will have a bright future,” she said. “The center will continue to be a referral center for the region and is a testament to what can happen when we see a need, imagine possibilities and work together.”
Generous support for pediatric care at Centra
Funding for the project was approved in July 2019. The Centra Foundation provided it through a fund and the Beverly W. and Hampton O. Powell Endowment. The endowment was established more than 30 years ago to support the needs of Virginia Baptist Hospital.
The Centra Foundation’s 2019 Miracle Ball honored Centra Developmental Pediatrician Teresa L. Brennan, MD, and raised over $77,000 in August of 2019 in support of the project.
“It is very exciting that the Pediatric Specialty Clinic is open in its lovely newly renovated space,” Dr. Brennan said. “It is also exciting that we have added so many pediatric subspecialties here at Centra.”
Central Virginia Walmart and Sam’s Club contributed through their annual #HelpKidsLiveBetter campaign. A plaque in the expanded waiting room recognizes their associates, customers and members. Representatives James Hornsby, manager, and Kevin Chandler, market health and wellness director, participated in the ceremony.
“Donor support helps our children, grandchildren and all children in central and southern Virginia get the care they need and deserve,” said Beth Doyle, executive vice president of the Centra Foundation. “We are proud to add the center to the list of pediatric projects donors have funded and to our local impact.”
A design for positive outcomes
The center was designed to enhance Caregiver collaboration and patient well-being. “The space allows for better collaboration among our teams, which will lead to better outcomes,” Kim said. “The changes really help us create an all-around better experience and provide better care for our pediatric patients and their families.”
The décor plays a role in that care.
“We know our surroundings can have a significant impact on well-being,” said Tiffany Niide, MD, PhD, a board-certified child psychiatrist and the director for clinician wellness and engagement at Centra. “The bright colors and joyful images can help children feel welcome and safe, reducing stress levels. This can help enhance the natural healing responses and complement the great care children receive. It is wonderful to see such a holistic healing environment.”
The space “was a joy to renovate and will help children in our area live their best lives,” said Holly Wilson, Centra project manager. “I was proud to be part of this project and fortunate to work with a great team of subcontractors and architects.”
As for how children feel about the changes.
At the ribbon cutting ceremony, Madison Rogers, an ambassador for Pediatric Care at Centra, glanced at the animals on the wallpaper in the expanded waiting room. She shared her approval with a bright smile.
Your donations help local children have the care they so desperately need.