On March 30, Connecticut Children’s will officially open its Robert R. Rosenheim Foundation Dialysis Center, the very first pediatric outpatient dialysis center in the state of Connecticut. The timing of its opening is more critical than ever during the COVID-19 outbreak. Children now have the opportunity to be dialyzed in their own private room, rather than alongside groups of adults in open and very public treatment rooms.
Made possible by a $1.5 million donation by the Robert R. Rosenheim Foundation, the new center, located on the 4th floor of Connecticut Children’s Hartford campus at 282 Washington Street, includes a variety of features to enhance quality and comfort safety for all patients receiving dialysis care. It’s a facility designed with a child’s unique needs in mind.
“We have worked hard to create a spa-like environment,” said Cynthia Silva, MD, Division Head of Nephrology. “The interactive light wall and mountain imagery is an authentic way to pull the patient’s attention away from dialysis. Our hope is that children will focus on the excitement and joy brought about by our unique environment and let go of any anxiety.”
The new facility will include four private treatment rooms, each equipped with built in television and seating areas for families as well as color changing lighting, allowing each patient to control his or her own environment. Additional features include light walls, waiting room work stations and a media center. Connecticut Children’s is also among the first to use the Tablo hemodialysis machine for pediatric-specific care. The self-contained unit is being used for in-center driven dialysis and is less stressful for patients and families.
“We are so grateful to the Robert R. Rosenheim Foundation for their generosity and support in opening the state’s very first outpatient pediatric dialysis center” said Jim Shmerling, President & CEO of Connecticut Children’s. “This new facility will afford families the opportunity to stay close to home for high-quality, life-saving treatments during such a critical time for public health.”
About Connecticut Children’s
Connecticut Children’s is the only hospital in Connecticut dedicated exclusively to the care of children and ranked one of the best children’s hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report and a Magnet® designated hospital. Connecticut Children’s provides more than 30 pediatric specialties along with community-based programs to uniquely care for the physical, social, and emotional needs of children. Our team of pediatric experts and care coordinators bring access to breakthrough research, advanced treatments for both rare and common diseases, and innovative health and safety programs to every child. Connecticut Children’s is a not-for-profit organization with a mission to improve access to healthcare for all children through convenient locations, care alliances and partnerships.
