Health System’s new birthing center named after $1.5 million donors
“The decision to name the facility after the Hylton family was made following a generous $1.5 million donation to the Prince William Health System’s community capital campaign by the Cecil and Irene Hylton Foundation,” said Michael J. Schwartz, president and CEO of the Prince William Health System.
Phase One of the new center accommodates new mothers and their newborns in the state-of-the-art postpartum rooms and nurseries.
Construction of the new labor and delivery rooms and neonatal unit continues with the birthing center, scheduled to be completed in spring 2003.
A tour of the center was given following a press conference to kick off a $10 million capital campaign to help fund an $85 million renovation program at the hospital.
According to Schwartz, the new facility will include:
32 private rooms,
two newborn nurseries,
10 neonatal intensive care unit positions,
a new procedure room,
facilities that allow a father to spend the night in any room,
sound barriers and developmental lighting to improve the environment,
an education room for parents,
expanded and separated waiting rooms, and
children’s play areas in the waiting rooms.
The total cost of the center will be $13 million.
Last year, there were 2,000 births at the hospital — an 18 percent increase over 1999, according to Schwartz.
“With double-digit increases in births at the hospital already occurring and large increases projected for the next 10 years, doubling our birthing center was essential for a more efficient, pleasant and accessible center for the public,” said Schwartz.
“Our old facilities reached their limits and when the new center is finished in 2003, it will provide a comprehensive and effective response to our growing population of young families.”
Robyn Phelps, director of volunteer services at the hospital, said many of the 1,200 hospital employees have contributed or pledged more than $440,000 toward the $10 million capital campaign drive.
Staff writer Bennie Scarton Jr. can be reached at (703) 368-3101, Ext. 125.