Today, employees, hospital and business leaders, patient families and community dignitaries gathered under sunny skies and unseasonably warm temperatures for the official groundbreaking of our Considine Professional Building’s expansion.
“As an independent, freestanding children’s hospital we are 100% focused on children and families,” said Bill Considine, president and chief executive officer. “We view every project we do through the eyes of a child and the Considine expansion is no exception.”
The 230,000-square-foot expansion, which is due to be complete in 2018, will bring together most of the hospital’s outpatient and subspecialty services under one roof – addressing the growing demand for these services.
Rendering of the building from the southeast view
Speaking at the ceremony was Akron City Council President Marilyn Keith who has visited the hospital as a patient, parent and grandparent.
“When I looked up the word blessing the definition was ‘perfect gift’ and that’s what this hospital is to the city of Akron – it put us on the map,” she said. “The strong foundation the city shares with the hospital enables each of us to be part of a shared vision.”
11-year-old cerebral palsy patient Courtney Kirsch and her mother Jennifer told their story.
“This project is made possible by the generous support of so many donors, community members and business leaders who embrace the health and well-being of children, and who support our focus on their future,” said John Orr, chairman-elect of the hospital’s board of directors.
Grace Wakulchik, vice president of operations and chief operating officer, said in addition to supporting care delivery and consolidating services, the expansion will also create a positive environment and workspace that will cater to employees of all generations. (read about the building design)
While introducing 11-year-old cerebral palsy patient Courtney Kirsch and her mother Jennifer, Mr. Considine cited their family, as well as all the children who come through the hospital’s doors, as a daily inspiration for the work we do – and sometimes the roles become reversed and the patient becomes the caregiver.
“When Courtney noticed one of her doctors (Dr. Micah Baird, a pediatric physiatrist) was so busy that he never seemed to have time for lunch, she started bringing him snack packs to each appointment,” said Jennifer. “It’s because of the love, concern and respect we have always received from our team of doctors at Children’s that Courtney is thriving today.”
Utilizing principles of the integrated lean project delivery process the hospital has currently saved over $19 million on the project. The estimated cost of construction is $84 million.
“The dollars we save can be directed right back into our patient care programs to help us enhance productivity and improve the patient experience,” said Mr. Considine.
Watch the construction take place through the eyes of this camera and aerial drone.
Assisting CEO Bill Considine turn the dirt are patients Courtney Kirsch, 11, of Tallmadge; Brooke Czartoszewski, 4, of Clinton; Blake Riggs, 4, of Akron, and Julia Mullin, 13, of Akron.
Blake Riggs, 4, of Akron, has a winning smile and a love for digging. He has had more than 60 surgeries, mostly neurosurgery, and is completely deaf.
About 150 people attended to listen to the speakers, watch the “dirt turning” and enjoy refreshments.
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