Former patients race through the newly renovated Cherese Mari Laulhere Pediatric Intensive Care Unit at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach.
An ambulance, racecar and helicopter assembled indoors today to help unveil the newly renovated Cherese Mari Laulhere Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) at Miller Children’s & Women’s Hospital Long Beach. Joined by doctors, nurses, family and friends, former PICU patients had the honor of leading the big reveal.
The three former patients – all boys between the ages of 4 and 7 – were fitted in unique cardboard vehicles designed to mimic a Miller Children’s Transport Program ambulance, a transport helicopter and a grand-prix style racecar. Geared with racing helmets or a propeller hat, each driver lined up before a large curtain, waiting for the signal that would soon send them racing through the unit.
With a toy stoplight beaming red and keeping the young racers at bay, the boys revved their “engines” until the light turned green, and they were told to “Ready… Set… Grow!” Each racer made their way through the unit, tiny feet quickly moving on the shiny new floors as spectators cheered loudly behind them. As the children drifted through the course, they helped lead their fans through the new unit.
The PICU North Pod features a city theme that helps move away from the standard feel of an intensive care unit, and instead aims to envelope a bright and fun environment for children. Images and icons of cars and city lights, and nurse stations that light up blue help to invoke the colorful and exciting theme.
The North Pod, which has been part of a five-year process, is one of four phases of a total unit renovation. The new unit was renovated with the help of parent input, and features eight private patient rooms complete with a private bathroom and comfortable pull-out bed for a parent who chooses to stay the night with their child. The entire unit was built with evidence-based design to prevent infection, and each patient room has an adjacent nurse station with a window that allows nurses to check in on patients while working.
“This is such a memorable event, and we’re very excited to share this new unit with everyone,” says Dina Rincon, RN, director, clinical operations, PICU, Miller Children’s. “The renovated PICU will provide a more comfortable and family friendly environment for our patients and help ensure maximum healing.” The renovation couldn’t have been done without the RBB, the Turner Construction team, JLL and the Cherese Mari Laulhere Foundation.
