Daniel Melaragno, 11, of Mayfield Village, was treated for a brain tumor at Cleveland Clinic Children’s. He is just one of the hospital’s patients who provided input for the new facility that opened last month.
The theme of the new home of Cleveland Clinic Children’s, located at 8950 Euclid Ave. in Cleveland, is “Little Matters.” The 120,000-square-foot facility will house the majority of the pediatric outpatient specialty services. It features 65 exam rooms, 20 private infusion suites, X-ray room, ultrasound testing, blood draw with five private rooms, and primary care services.
The four-story building was designed with the pediatric patients in mind, and by gaining input from patients like Daniel and their families. It provides features such as a calming room for sensory-sensitive children, colorful artwork and furniture, lactation rooms and a first-floor check-in.
Families also can enjoy the child-friendly cafe and nutrition center that has gluten-free and other kid-friendly options. While kids will love playing with the two interactive motion walls in the facility, parents will appreciate the soon-to-open sibling drop-off play area in partnership with the Ronald McDonald House.
The facility also has its own pediatric outpatient pharmacy.
Abbi Smith, pharmacy manager, says Apoteca PED, the first pediatrics robotic model, allows the pharmacy to safely make smaller doses and provides medicine dilution for pediatric patients.
Dr. Rita Pappas, interim chair at Cleveland Clinic Children’s, says they asked pediatric patients and families what they would want in a facility — and that everything they wanted was delivered.
“This fulfills a lifelong dream of ours,” Pappas says at the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “There is so much excitement. The facility has so much to offer. We wanted to have a calming and welcoming environment. We wanted the children and their families, from the moment they walk in the door, to have a comfort and a calm place.”
Daniel, who comes for check-ups at the center and is a brain tumor survivor, spoke at the ceremony. His mother, Erin Melaragno, says he loves to give back to the community and be involved.
She is happy with the new center because it provides everything in one place.