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Shands begins next phase of Shands Hospital for Children at UF

The University of Florida and Shands is beginning the next phase in the evolution of the Shands Hospital for Children.  Senior vice president for Health Affairs and President of the UF & Shands Health System, Dr. David Guzick , presented plans for the project at a recent press conference at Shands. He says the current phase is now dedicated to designing a children-friendly, and exclusive,  personal hospital entry.

http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/Guzick1May172012.mp3

And the generosity doesn't end on the inside.

http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/Guzick4May172012.mp3

General design concepts are in play now while they compile specific architectural designs necessary to get the project rolling within 2-3 months.

http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/Guzick2May172012.mp3

Those who attended the orientation on these design plans were concerned about the impact the construction will have on everyday hospital traffic. Guzick explains it will work basically like road construction.

http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/Guzick3May172012.mp3

This renovation project comes after a personal medical incident in the Ferrero family...one that Horst Ferrero says prompted his family to innitaite proficient change in the childrens medical field.

http://www.wuft.org/media/audio/Ferrero1May172012.mp3

Dr. Guzick adds the project will go on with or without all of the necessary funds raised, but says all of the fundraising objectives set for each pediatric project have been met so far. If donations keep flowing in at the current rate, the five year plan for the entire hospital will go as scheduled. The Sebastian Ferrero Foundation Founders, Horst and Luisa Ferrero attended the press conference.  They created the foundation in honor of their 3-year-old son who died at a pediatric outpatient clinic at Shands UF in 2007 in what were considered preventable medical errors.  The Ferreros were on hand to give an update on the upcoming Noche de Gala in September.  The annual event raises more than a million dollars each year for the children's hospital.  President Bernie Machen and his wife, Chris Machen will chair the gala event on September 29th.

Keaton is a reporter who can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.
Catherine is a reporter for WUFT News and can be contacted by calling 352-392-6397 or emailing news@wuft.org.