The new Children's Hospital is designed to provide the most healing care for our patients and families. One of the best examples of our new "most healing" environment are the private patient rooms. Located on floors six through nine, the private rooms reduce stress on kids and families, improve infection control and provide patients and families with more space, soothing natural light and a more comfortable night's sleep. The total number of inpatient beds at the new hospital is 270 (232 private patient rooms, 38 semi-private critical care beds), compared to our current 253 licensed beds.

The "L" shape configuration of the two inpatient wings allows for a central connecting link, referred to as the "knuckle." A reception desk is positioned at this "knuckle" location on each floor to welcome and assist families and visitors. Additionally, the innovative configuration will enhance security on each unit.

Family and Patient Amenities Each patient room was carefully designed with three top-of-mind, people-focused priorities: caregiver, patient and family.

The caregiver zone is closest to the room entrance for easy access into and out of patient rooms. The area includes a work counter, a sink for hand washing, a rolling supply cart and a built-in storage cabinet for clean linens and supplies. The built-in medical equipment (within the wall directly behind the patient) is sophisticated bedside technology for direct caregiver access to medical gases and overhead exam lighting.

The family zone is along the exterior wall, provides optimum privacy while remaining close to the child. Family amenities include an extra deep custom sofa bed for two parents, generous lockable storage, a desk and data port. Different lighting modes are available, as well as a darkening shade.

The patient zone is at the center of each room. At the foot of each bed is a 32" plasma television, complete with on-demand movies and video games, a desk for computer use, a tack board for pictures and cards and a colorful cabinet for wardrobe storage. A window is in each patient room, brightening the room with natural light and providing a constant view of the outside world. Each room includes a private bathroom with a bathtub or shower, soft wall sconce lighting with personal, bedside control, and a nightstand adjacent to the bed -- the perfect place for patients' personal belongings.

Art The spirited color palette graces every inpatient floor. In collaboration with DesignTex Fabrics, a vinyl fabric called "discovery" was designed specially for the sofa beds. This whimsical imagery of horses, butterflies, frogs and turtles dance in a rainbow of colors.

Additional coordinating custom fabrics and hand-painted ceramic tiles with friendly bugs designed by Patty Maly underscore the one-of-a-kind feeling inherent in these spaces.