Children’s hospital begins $7M project

Staff report

BOARDMAN

Akron Children’s Hospital Mahoning Valley has begun a $7 million construction project to create the area’s only dedicated pediatric surgery department.

“Providing pediatric surgical services is an extension of the commitment we made to the Valley’s children and their families when we opened the hospital in 2008,” said Mark Watson, president of Akron Children’s Hospital Regional Network. “Physicians throughout the area have told us that this is something that was needed, and we’re responding to the need.”

The project includes the renovation of nearly 14,000 square feet of space in Building B of the Beeghly campus, located at 6505 Market St., hospital officials said.

The primary focus will be modern surgical suites and a renovated sterile processing center. The renovation will include an eight-bed patient-recovery area, nursing stations, patient-preparation area and waiting and changing rooms.

“The surgical team will include pediatric anesthesiologists, specialty surgeons and nurses who understand the unique medical needs and concerns of children and their families,” said Sharon Hrina, vice president of Akron Children’s.

“Knowing how children are medically different and having specialized training with equipment and techniques suited to a child help ensure the best outcome for the patient,” she added.

A child-life specialist also will play an important role in preparing children and families for surgery, providing pre-surgery tours to educate them about what they can expect to see, hear, feel, taste and smell, Hrina said.

Procedures will include orthopedic, dental, urological and those related to ear, nose and throat, officials said.

The contractor for the project, slated for completion in September with an anticipated opening in October, is Murphy Contracting Co. of Youngstown. Funding will come from a combination of capital dollars and philanthropic support, officials added.