BUFFALO, NY - The brand new Oishei Children's Hospital is regarded as one of the gems of the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus. The 270-million dollar building opened back in November. But now some of the hospital staff is questioning the layout.
It could be a matter of growing pains for the new 12 story building, with a growing demand for its services as the top Pediatric care unit in Western New York. Whatever the case, the primary union representing nurses there - the SEIU Local 1199 - says some employees do feel there are some issues that could be addressed with the layout of the structure.
Union Vice President Jim Scodato tells 2 On Your Side some staffers feel they are either on top of each other in some locations, or spread out in others.
Part of that could be tied to the new use of private rooms, especially for the neo-natal intensive care unit where several babies in the past would be in a room together. But there is also an increase in space for more babies now cared for in the NICU, and more doctors may be using the hospital for deliveries
There may also be some mandates from the state health department or other agencies covering hospital operations as to how the facility was laid out.
Some viewers did mention on social media: greater walking distances in long hallways, confusing signs, relative lack of private space when disclosing personal information, and others questioning if their input was considered as parents of long time patients.
There has been no call for any review or formal changes in Oishei Children's Hospital. The union says there are really more informal discussions about possible adjustments.
Kaleida V.P. and spokesman Mike Hughes says he is not aware of any such concerns and he points out, with union agreement, that employees were consulted as plans for the building were drawn up.
He also says a special architecture firm that helped design Children's hospitals in Boston and the Midwest was brought in to make sure the planning and floor layout was done properly.