Description:

Rush Children's Hospital Pediatric Critical Care Unit (CCU) -- which cares for more than 1,000 seriously ill children every year with catastrophic illnesses -- was antiquated, over-utilized and too small.  Often, these children are hospitalized multiple times and for long periods. The Rush unit's institutional atmosphere did not reflect the growing concept that soothing colors, natural light and a homelike environment promote faster recovery. 

John H. Driscoll, Alter+Care's President, who was responsible for real estate development at Rush, directed the hospital's Pediatric CCU complete renovation.  Rush's all-new 14,000 SF, 20-bed Pediatric CCU doubles the previous unit's size and incorporates design input from parents, physicians and nurses.  The functional -- yet playful -- environment features giant aquarium-themed murals, a real aquarium filled with colorful exotic fish, lively blue-and-white wave patterns painted on walls and floors, and corridor carpeting with inlaid fish designs.  Natural sunlight, warm blue walls and wood paneling virtually eliminate the antiseptic "hospital" feeling.  Computerized monitors in patient rooms let medical personnel continuously observe their patients' conditions via electric links from bedside to nursing stations and promote quality care.

Contact Information:

John Driscoll
President
Alter+Care
(847) 568-5871
jdriscoll@altergroup.com