Pages

Wednesday, May 22, 2013

Childrens Hospital

Last month when our Dad was having his heart surgery, we spent a long day at the hospital.  My sisters and I took lots of walks.  One of the things we checked out was the new Children's Hospital which is attached to one of the hospitals downtown.
We are blessed in Grand Rapids, to have lots of high quality medical places.  This area is called the medical mile.  There is a cancer center, a heart center (which has been wonderful for my Dad), research labs and this Children's hospital.  It opened last year and this was the first time I was in it.


The fun sculpture at entrance gives a hint of what's inside.


Just inside the front door are these big windows with more bright colors.


 In the back is an enclosed garden, with paths and benches.  I'm sure it'll be beautiful in the summer with real plants and flowers, but it's fun even now.  There are several big metal flowers sculptures out there.


 I also liked this metal tree with children making up the branches.


Inside were several computer stations that let kids read books on them.


This colorful mosaic covered a huge wall near the cafeteria (which served healthy but kid friendly food)


The mosaic extended over to this little seating area where little movies were playing.


Even this walkway, which crossed over to Dr's offices and testing areas wasn't standard.

No one wants to have a child in the hospital, but when needed it's wonderful to have a place like this!

9 comments:

Betsy Brock said...

wow...it's beautiful! How fun for the kids....and it should be as fun as possible!

Anonymous said...

So much thought put into these designs to make a visit to the hospital more tolerable for children. Thanks for sharing!

Bonnie said...

it's true ... you wouldn't want your child in the hospital ... but when they need to be, this is the place!

Beth said...

This is wonderful! It's been a long time since I had to be at the Children's Hospital in Columbus (I think it has a new name now) and I hope I won't have to be for a grandchild. But I remember it as a bit dreary. I'm hoping they have spruced it up since the 80s. Grand Rapids is setting a terrific example.:>)

Brooke said...

SUPER cool!!!

Jenny said...

Oooh I love that mosaic, and the non-standard walkway. When Melly was at Geisinger/Janet Weis Children's Hospital in Pennsylvania for surgery to close her cleft, we were very impressed by the hospital and its staff. It's an older facility but they were so great about every aspect of the excellent care she received. There was so much suffering around us, so many parents and children with worse scenarios than ours. We were grateful on many levels. I am so glad these places exist. Thanks for sharing, Mari.

Life and Breath and Everything Else said...

I spent a fair amount of time in Children's Hospital when I was a child. I'm amazed how all of the improvements in the Children's units over the years.

LL Cool Joe said...

It's beautiful. As you say no one wants a child to be in hospital, but if they have to be I can't think of a better place.

Laura said...

Wow! I've never seen it - which I guess is a good thing, but it's so well thought out for kids if needed.