New Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital Dedicated

The new Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital was dedicated today with remarks from hospital leadership, Helen DeVos and a ceremonial ribbon cutting with current and former patients.

“Today culminates a vision turned reality as we celebrate a new home for children’s health care that will house programs and services that are among the best in the country,” said Richard C. Breon, president & CEO, Spectrum Health. “This facility brings together physicians, researchers and staff whose entire focus is taking care of children and their families. Spectrum Health is proud to offer these services in West Michigan.”

Features of the new hospital include:

A dedicated pediatric emergency department, six operating rooms, a heart catheterization laboratory and a pediatric radiology department
Spacious private patient rooms with accommodations for parents to stay overnight
Quiet spaces throughout the building and a chapel on the 11th floor for all faiths
Special amenities for families, including laundry and kitchenette facilities, overnight rooms for those in crisis situations, a computer lab and a resource library

“Today we celebrate a new era in children’s health care for the region that begins with the opening of the new Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital on 1-11-11,” said Bob Connors, MD, president, Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital. “Our 20-year dream has come true: a hospital dedicated exclusively to children’s health, transforming pediatric medical and surgical care for children in Michigan and beyond.”

In addition to the pediatric specialists and medical equipment in the hospital, the new building also caters to the non-medical needs of a child. The hospital is filled with more than 1,500 pieces of artwork made by more than 8,000 children and teens throughout Michigan. LaFontsee Galleries of Grand Rapids coordinated the art project to create a warm, welcoming environment for children of all ages.

“Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital is a regional resource and a destination that families travel to from all directions to get care for their ill or injured children,” said Matt Van Vranken, executive vice president, Spectrum Health System, and president, Spectrum Health Hospital Group. “The children’s hospital already serves most of the counties in Michigan because of our specialists and the programs we have pioneered. Spectrum Health, along with the entire community, has made a significant investment in children’s health care for generations to come.”

An outdoor garden is accessible through the main lobby restaurant which features fresh salads, pizza cooked in a stone-hearth oven and locally made ice cream. Areas for play and entertainment throughout the building also add to the child-friendly environment.

“It is such a joy to see the completion of the new children’s hospital as a place that provides exceptional health care for children and a comfortable stay for them and their families,” said Helen DeVos. “I’ve been able to see firsthand, when my grandchildren and I visit patients, the quality of care and compassion that the staff consistently provide, and I’m thrilled the new facility will provide such a supportive environment.”

More than 6,000 donors contributed to the $286 million facility.

“The new hospital is a place that my mother cares deeply about, especially because of the extraordinary support and care of children,” said Cheri DeVos Vander Weide. “This amazing new facility is a tribute to her love for children and the caring staff who treat them, and as her children we are thrilled to honor our mother by personally supporting the hospital.”

The community is invited to tour the new hospital on Saturday, December 4. Reservations are requested to accommodate all guests. Please call 616.776.9626 to schedule a tour. The 14-story hospital opens January 11, 2011, for patient care. Learn more at helendevoschildrens.org/2011 or click here to watch a video that highlights features of the building. The complete package and b-roll featured in the video are available upon request.

Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital, a member of Spectrum Health, is a Grand Rapids-based hospital serving children throughout Michigan. A teaching hospital, it includes more than 150 pediatric physicians trained to provide medical and surgical care to children in more than 40 pediatric specialties. Visit helendevoschildrens.org to learn more.