Franciscan St. Francis Health throws 'baby shower’ for public

Newly expanded Indianapolis Women & Children’s Center unveiled at April 30 event

INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana – Welcoming new lives into the world and providing a continuum of care to infants and women has long been a labor of love at Franciscan St. Francis Health-Indianapolis. And that tradition will continue in years to come with the opening of its renovated Women & Children’s Center (WCC).

The $37 million construction endeavor has come to fruition, providing increased services to babies, children and mothers throughout all of Central Indiana. To that end, the hospital is inviting the public to attend the grand opening of the 100,000-square-foot facility Saturday, April 30.

Here’s what patients and visitors now find at the WCC:

·          7 triage rooms and an infusion area for newly admitted patients (2^nd floor)

·        12 expanded labor and delivery rooms (2^nd floor)

·          8 large antepartum suites with in-room refrigerators (2^nd floor)

·          2 operating room suites for caesarean procedures (2^nd floor)

·        36 postpartum suites and a nursery (3^rd floor)

·        24 private neonatal intensive care (NICU) rooms (4^th floor)

·        10  “kid-friendly” pediatric rooms  (4^th floor)

Patients also will enjoy a new wellness center offering services such as massage therapy and acupuncture. And when they step through these doors they will feel right at home in this modern lobby, with its welcoming fireplace, a café and gift shop among other amenities.

“The completion of the Center heralds a new beginning and expands our ability to serve the healthcare needs of women, infants and children and the community as a whole,” said WCC Director Lori Warner, RN. “This project was phased in over a three-year period and I thank our phenomenal staff, who continued to provide a high level of care during that time. And, I thank all of our patients and visitors who were able navigate their way through the construction.”

And that sentiment is shared likewise by Franciscan St. Francis’ president and CEO.

“We very happy to offer the latest design in healthcare and it’s important to acknowledge that it is the commitment of outstanding quality care by our staff and physicians who truly make a difference in the lives of those we serve,” said James Callaghan, MD. “This is evidenced by our hospital’s recent prestigious designation as an Anthem Blue Distinction Center for Maternity Care.”

The April 30 grand opening begins at 11 a.m. Activities throughout the day include: health screenings and education, numerous children’s activities, “Mommy” makeovers and craft corner, healthy cooking demonstrations for kids, chair massages and aromatherapy, car seat safety information, food, games and prizes, to name but a few.

Also, the first 100 women to arrive will receive a complimentary bag of makeup samples from Garb-2-Art.

The hospital also will celebrate the 40^th Anniversary Reunion of our NICU. This brings together former patients, families and clinical staff in what promises to be an emotional reunion. Franciscan St. Francis-Indianapolis is the only Level III NICU unit in south-central Indiana has provided care to thousands of infants during that time.