Washington, DC –Children’s National Medical Center opened its doors Tuesday to the new Joseph E. Robert, Jr. Surgery Preparation and Recovery Center. Located in the new east wing of the hospital, the center was designed to provide optimal safety and family interaction, allowing parents to remain with their children through the anesthesia induction process. The center gives families access to a spectrum of services in one of the busiest operating rooms in the country.

“The new center is a great example of a collaboration among our surgeons, anesthesiologists and families,” said Kurt Newman, MD, executive director of the Center for Surgical Care at Children’s. “We designed the center with our families in mind, making every effort to ease their concerns during a difficult time.”

The Surgery Preparation and Recovery Center has a nautical theme, with the nursing station serving as a “submarine.” The center features five private induction rooms and 24 recovery bays. The center also features preparation examination rooms and holding areas, as well as a playroom. The spacious recovery area allows for optimal patient care and greater family comfort, privacy and transition to home care.

The Center is named in honor of Joseph E. Robert, Jr., for his contribution of $25 million to the Center for Surgical Care. The center is located in the new east wing edition of Children’s and is the first major product of the Giant Steps Campaign, which ended in February, 2004.