Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children opens to patients - ABC 33/40 - Birmingham News, Weather, Sports

Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children opens to patients

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BIRMINGHAM - AL -

The new Benjamin Russell Hospital for Children welcomed 134 new occupants Saturday. The twelve story, 750,000-square-foot expansion opened to patients today after three years of construction. While it was an exciting day, moving hospitalized children is not easy. Some are seriously and critically ill or injured, so every detail of the move was carefully planned to ensure each patient was safe and comfortable.

CEO Mike Warren pointed out the rooms have more space.

"The real thing we were trying to do was demonstrate with a facility is what family centered care really meant. The rooms here are bigger, room enough for mom and dad to stay. There are also private rooms throughout the facility, so no more of this open ward.   You have the ability to have some privacy for families as well."

Children's of Alabama is now the third largest children's hospital in the United States.