Preliminary work has begun on a complete renovation of the main lobby and nearby areas at Women & Children’s Hospital made possible by funding and design work from Fisher-Price, a long-time and generous supporter.  The Women’s Board is also funding this very visible improvement.

Beginning at the 118 Hodge Street through to the main 219 Bryant Street (valet) entrance, Fisher-Price designed a modern lobby that complements the previously upgraded Board Room, the new Chapel, and a new cafeteria to provide welcoming entryways, reception and dining areas that are patient and family oriented spaces.

The generosity of the Women’s Board includes its support for reconstructing the state-of-the art Board Room, with phone, video conference and presentation capability.  Their gift also provides for the new main lobby floor, ceilings and lighting. 

The new Chapel was gifted by Dr. and Mrs. Edwin J. Lenahan and Family and is now easily accessible on the first floor just inside the main entrance by patient families and others any time of the day or night.  

The cafeteria will have an updated service area with more comfortable and informal seating for guests.

Patient safety and security will also be improved with this renovation as all arriving patient families and visitors will be directed through the main 219 Bryant St. entrance, thereby establishing a single entry point leading to patient information and the Security desks.  Medical Staff and employees will continue to have access to the 118 Hodge Street entrance with and ID card swipe control.

A natural wood wave will flow through entryways and main lobby corridors as will new ceiling tiles and lighting designed by Fisher-Price after its team conducted research internationally and received input from patients and families.  A new information desk will be located in front of Alford Auditorium with the nearby Security Desk to provide better traffic flow and safety.

The Kaleida Health Construction Team will perform all the reconstruction work.

A new Video Wall designed by Kaleida Health IS&T with help from Fisher Price will help create soothing sounds and visuals with hospital and regional images of interest with helpful directional and other information among the creative features.

This renovation will be completed during the first quarter of 2010.  Project updates will continue to be reported as progress continues.