Mercy Medical Center’s newest addition comes in the form of a brand new pediatric unit designed for children from infants to teenagers. When the new unit, now named the Variety Pediatric Unit after a generous gift from Variety-The Children’s Charity, opened in November 2011, the differences from the existing pediatric unit to the new one were immediately noticeable. While there are still 22 private patient rooms on the floor, they are larger, brighter and designed specifically for the needs of young patients. “Having the new unit has made a huge difference not only for our patients, but also our employees,” said Jan Myers, unit director for the Variety Pediatric Unit and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. “As we moved patients from the existing unit to the new unit, the parents were in awe about how beautiful and spacious everything was. Our staff members were very enthusiastic about the new unit because it adds to the family-centered healing environment we were already providing.” Additional amenities include a family waiting area with a sweeping view of the city skyline, an activity room with games and toys for children of all ages and Iowa’s only Ronald McDonald Family Room. “The Ronald McDonald Family Room is an accommodation for parents who need to remain close to their child who is in the pediatric or pediatric intensive care units,” said Brenda Miller, executive director of Ronald McDonald House Charities of Central Iowa. “The family room not only offers a place for parents to sleep, but also provides a place to take a break, have something to eat and try to relax, even if it’s only for a short time.” Mercy has now started the second phase of the project, which will renovate the existing unit into a pediatric intensive care unit with eight larger rooms, and a flexible unit with 10 rooms that can be used by both the pediatric and pediatric intensive care units. The second phase is expected to be complete in fall 2012. “This project has been possible because of the generous financial support we have received from private donors and our own employees; however, there are many opportunities still available to support this initiative,” said Shannon Duval, President of Mercy Foundation. Learn More If you would like to learn more about Mercy Children’s Center services, visit www.mercydesmoines.org/children. To help support this project, please contact the Mercy Foundation at (515) 247-3248.