The Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center has officially opened its new Starlight Care Room in its Pediatric Unit.
Through support of the Starlight Children’s Foundation and the Jeffrey A. Altman Foundation, Brookdale has transformed a regular pediatric treatment area into a beautiful, child-friendly room conducive to relaxation and calmness for the child who is undergoing treatments. The revamped room includes artwork and decorations designed to sooth the child’s anxiety as well as a new flat screen television and an iPad that will offer child-friendly programming and entertainment.
Dr. Kusum Viswanathan, vice-chair of the Department of Pediatrics, welcomed the ribbon-cutting attendees, including Starlight Foundation’s Vice President of Programs, Michelle Hall-Duncan, members of Brookdale’s medical and pediatric staff, and hospital administration.
Mark E. Toney, Brookdale’s president, thanked Starlight Children’s Foundation “for making a difference in the lives of children and families who are struggling due to illnesses and for caring about the Brooklyn community.”
“We are thrilled to expand on our partnership with Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center,” added Michelle Hall-Duncan, vice president of Programs Starlight Children’s Services of New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. “By transforming the Pediatric Unit into a welcoming place, we are making hospital visits just a little easier for children.”
Brookdale University Hospital and Medical Center is 530-bed medical center and an accredited community teaching hospital with a large network of community-based ambulatory care centers. BUHMC offers an array of acute inpatient and outpatient services and serves a community with a population of over 1 million residents.
The Starlight Children’s Foundation makes a world of difference for seriously ill children and their families. Since 1985, the NY*NJ*CT chapter has been offering hope and a brighter future for seriously ill children. The goal of the Starlight Children’s Foundation is to help these children experience the simple joys of being a child.
Each year, Starlight serves over 275,000 critically, chronically, and terminally ill children throughout New York, New Jersey and Connecticut. Some of Starlight’s most unique programs include Great Escapes, special outings for children and their families, STARBRIGHT World, a private online community for teens who are living with chronic diseases to connect, Hospital Happenings, including themed parties, toys, and visits from entertainers.
For more information on Starlight Children’s Foundation of NY*NJ*CT, please log on to www.starlight-newyork.org.
