SUMMERLIN HOSPITAL: Pediatrics going wild

Animal-themed designs intended to distract ill tykes

For anyone in the hospital, even little distractions are welcome. For the children at Summerlin Hospital who will be in the new pediatric unit, those distractions include a plethora of animals, everything from giraffes to puppies to tropical fish.

As construction on the three-story addition to Summerlin Hospital Medical Center's north tower nears completion, the finishing touches are being added.

"Our expansion will allow us to offer children in our area a broader range of advanced services," said Joanna Bacon, registered nurse and director of maternal/child services. "And we provide these services in an absolutely wonderful environment that kids find fun and fascinating."

The new unit features custom artwork in each of the 29 private patient suites. Each room has its own animal theme. The exam room, for example, has butterflies and dragonflies; the playroom, an underwater scene.

Chances are parents will find the decorations just as intriguing as children will. The winged creatures employ animatronics to take one's mind off being poked and prodded.

The two local artists responsible for the fun decorations are Cindy Chinn and Catherine Britton.

They didn't just paint walls, they created three dimensional works of art -- some are even animated -- to distract and entertain children whether they're undergoing an exam or recovering in their patient room.

"We worked to create an environment for kids of all ages," said Chinn. "There's an African desert landscape complete with lions and giraffes, 14-foot windows where kids can watch polar bears and seals swim, and lifelike trees that are now home to squirrels, birds and magical butterflies and dragonflies whose wings actually move."

The addition will also allow for the creation of a pediatric intensive care unit, scheduled to open early next year.

"We will be the first hospital in the western suburbs of Las Vegas to offer pediatric ICU services, and one of only four in Southern Nevada to have this high-level service for children," said Leslie Paul Luke, chief executive officer.

The three-story tower expansion should be complete by the end of year.

The overall project totals 46,000 square feet and will provide an additional 76 private patient suites at a cost of $7.8 million.

Summerlin Hospital also recently held its fourth Teddy Bear Clinic. In total, more than 400 children from area schools participated, bringing their teddy bears to be treated for broken legs, have their blood pressure checked or bandaged up from a fall.

Besides the fun of a field trip, the annual program shows children what goes on in a hospital, which helps quells fear should they ever find themselves a patient. Personnel from eight hospital departments, as well as pet therapy dogs, participated.

The visiting school children painted ceiling tiles as an art project. The tiles will be placed into the drop ceiling of the new pediatric unit.


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