State-Of-The-Art Pediatric Surgery Complex Opens At Cohen Children's

PORT WASHINGTON, NY — A $110 million, state-of-the-art facility for pediatric surgery is now open at Cohen Children's Medical Center.

The new Pediatric Surgical Operating Complex will specialize in cardiothoracic, neurologic, and orthopedic procedures, as well as general surgery. Spanning 24,000 square feet, the facility is the culmination of a multi-year project that began with the Blumenfeld Family Pavilion, a five-story extension at the children's hospital built in 2013 and named in honor of the family's donations to Cohen Children's.

"We understand that the surgical and anesthetic needs of neonates, infants, children, and adolescents are absolutely unique and quite different than those for adults," said Charles Schleien, senior vice president and chair of pediatric services at Northwell Health, which manages Cohen Children's. "The importance of this pediatric surgical operating complex cannot be overstated."

Northwell says the new complex features eight child-friendly OR suites "with majestic photo walls that create an unintimidating environment."

Potentially frightening surgical instruments are initially hidden, and patients can listen to music, watch videos, or play before surgery.

The completion of this project will reduce wait times for pediatric and adult patients, according to Northwell officials, who also say the facility will transform care for more than 8,000 patients who seek medical procedures at Cohen Children's every year.

Surgeries had previously taken place in shared ORs at neighboring Long Island Jewish Medical Center, which like Cohen Children's, is a member of Northwell Health.

"This operating suite is the culmination of so many people's dreams," said Dr. Jose Prince, surgeon in chief at Cohen Children's. "It is where we as surgeons work to save and protect the dreams of our patients and their families as we teach surgery to the next generation of pediatric surgeons."

Each 600-square-foot operating suite boasts various innovations, including 3D imaging and four 50-inch monitors. Most of the surgical equipment is suspended from a singular boom, which reduces the amount of space needed and allows for greater versatility, Northwell says.

The complex's new pediatric Post-Anesthesia Care Unit includes 27 recovery bays — complete with a stretcher for the recovering child, a physiological monitoring tower, an area designated for family members with a television for entertainment, and a supply cart for nurses caring for the patient. In addition to the recovery bays, the PACU includes a medical playroom, which is available to calm the nerves of children prior to surgery, as well as those recovering.