UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital celebrates the opening of Unit 44

After an extensive overhaul, UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital was thrilled to reopen Unit 44, a pediatric medicine and surgical unit, with a special ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 14. This top-to-bottom renovation features upgrades with each of our youngest patients in mind, using a bright and welcoming design, reflecting Florida’s natural landscape with nature-inspired materials and graphics.

Some of the major upgrades include:

• All-new private patient rooms with larger ensuite restrooms with fresh furnishings, smart lighting and smart TVs, plus sleeper sofas with built-in tech for families

• Dedicated family gathering rooms where siblings and loved ones can enjoy a space away from the patient’s room, where physicians can meet with parents and loved ones can decompress

• A toddler playroom where infants can play, and Child Life specialists provide therapeutic activities

• A multipurpose playroom room where teenagers and other children can socialize while Street Life and Child Life specialists provide therapeutic activities

• Interactive heat walls that provide engaging and therapeutic experiences for young patients

• An enhanced procedure room, enabling staff to bring patients a more comfortable and less stressful environment to undergo medical procedures

With Unit 45’s renovation now on deck, this transformation would not happen without the generosity of our donors. The $30 million+ total is funded by the hospital budget, state funds and private philanthropy, which includes more than $4 million from partners, programs and supporters of Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.

Thank you to our community for all you do to support our talented health care providers and patients. When our community comes together, incredible things happen!