Gillette Children’s supporters, employees and community members celebrated the expansion of its specialty center on November 18. The fifth-floor center, which is for patients who have complex medical conditions, features state-of-the-art outpatient exam and treatment rooms and services; rooms and support space to enhance and advance patient-facing research initiatives; expanded psychology and psychotherapy treatment areas; recreational therapy and play therapy rooms; and space for Gillette employees to collaborate and innovate. The $7 million project drew praise from those who attended the celebration.
The center is located in St. Paul. It has many features designed for patients with disabilities. Exam and treatment rooms are designed around the needs of patients with exam tables that are adjustable, ceiling lifts that allow for safe and comfortable movement, and large screens to review scans and x-rays. Wall lighting serves an important purpose as sensory lighting. Colors can be changed, and the light can be dimmed to help make patients feel more comfortable during appointments. Furniture and fixtures were selected with accessibility in mind. Patient restrooms have adult changing tables. The adjustable changing table and accessible features make it easier for caregivers to more comfortably assist patients. The newly opened space includes dedicated research rooms in the renovated space including various research laboratories.
Congresswoman Betty McCollum helped secure $1.5 million in Congressionally Directed Spending to support the research investigative lab in the Specialty Center. The investigative lab funded by these federal dollars will be used to conduct research related to assessment of motor control, movement disorders, spasticity, and pain. It includes a rehabilitation research and clinical care space needed to advance the development of biofeedback, robotics and exoskeleton development.
Gillette Children’s is in St. Paul, near the state capitol complex. It was founded in 1897 and has served children who have disabilities and complicated medical conditions since then.
