It has been five years since Michael Bloomberg, the former mayor of New York, said these words at the dedication of The Charlotte R. Bloomberg Chil­dren’s Center building, named after his late mother: “If this center will bring the youngest and most vulnerable patients the kind of care and comfort that they need, if it will increase the knowledge and experience of the greatest doctors and teachers, if it will inspire other institutions to do more and do better, then we will all be happy.” So, are we? Recently we asked a number of faculty and staff members their thoughts about the building as it turns five.

Pediatric oncology director Donald Small notes the naturally lit two-story atrium of the new che­motherapy infusion unit and additional exam rooms, which have increased patient flow and decreased wait times, among the highlights of the oncology floor in the new building.

“Our patients have been blown away by the spaciousness, layout, brightness and overall beauti­ful aesthetics of the new oncology floor and the building,” says Small. “Also, less wait times in the registration area have lessened the chances of being exposed to infections.”

Former pediatric nursing director Judy Rohde talks of the building’s space, private rooms and bath­rooms, all supporting a patient- and family-centered care environment. “The Interfaith Chapel,” she adds, “provides a calming and inviting space for patients, families and staff to find restoration, tap into their faith without interruption, and renew their strength and resiliency as they continue their journey here.”

Pediatric cardiologist Phil Spevak points to technological advances in the building’s noninvasive cardiac imaging center, which he likens to a NASA control room. And pediatric surgeon Dylan Stewart cites the two new dedicated trauma resuscitation rooms, along with a trauma/emergency surgery room for children, as instrumental in improving pediatric trauma care in the Children’s Center—the state of Maryland’s designated trauma center for children. The building’s dedicated pediatric operating rooms, he adds, are a dream: “There’s no more mix­ing of kids and adults during something as stressful as surgery.”

Pediatric residency director Janet Serwint may have encapsulated the essence of The Charlotte R. Bloomberg Children’s Center building best: “The new building is truly beautiful. The focus on light and windows brightens each day and the spirits of staff and patients alike.”

For more information on The Charlotte R. Bloomberg Children’s Center building, visit hopkinschildrens.org.