Valley Presbyterian Hospital Unveils Unique Fantasy Playroom for the Children of Patients

Business Wire, April 29, 2008

Actor Goran Visnjic of ER to Attend Playroom Opening Created by International Design Team

VAN NUYS, Calif. -- Valley Presbyterian Hospital is hosting the grand opening of a new concept in playrooms, designed to expose children of patients to a virtual experience that will make them feel comfortable in a sometimes frightening hospital environment. The unveiling of the Bluebell Railway Playroom will take place at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, May 15 at 2:30 p.m. near the Labor and Delivery Unit.

To celebrate this innovative concept, Actor Goran Visnjic, renown for his role as Dr. Luca Kovak on the NBC hit series, ER, and soon to be seen starring in the feature film, Helen, along with Ashley Judd, will host the ice cream and cookie grand opening. T-Shirts designed for the Children's Health Fund, recently featured on American Idol, have been donated by Signorelli for prize drawings.

Gathering a dream design team of British Graphic Designer, Anna-Marie Buss of Bussroot, and Los Angeles designer, Fred Iberri of Iberri Interiors, the international team produced an environment to enhance a child's imagination and ease their anxieties.

Photographic images taken by British photographer, Derek Hayward, of the actual Bluebell Railway Station in Kent, England, were enhanced by Anna-Marie Buss in England then sent to Fred Iberri in Los Angeles to be blown up life size to create a space very separate from the rest of the hospital.

Critters and animals hidden in the foliage of the woods on the walls surrounding the station can make time pass speedily as children search for them. Brightly colored bean bags in the middle of a "plank wood" carpet are perfect launching pads for day dreams or naps, or they can cuddle in the waiting room on highly polished wood benches which look out at a tunnel where a train might be coming or perhaps where creatures hang out!

"The room's initial purpose," says Judie Stein, the Director of the Stein Family Foundation that funded the project, "is to give attention to children while their adults' attention is elsewhere. We've given them a sanctuary of sorts to prepare for whatever is happening at Valley Presbyterian - whether it be a loved one's illness or a new baby in their home."

"Fantasy can be very comforting when reality gets too tough and fortune smiled on us with an incredible team that donated their time and talent to produce that kind of world for them," said Stein. "Our team hopes this project will be the start of similar rooms for children visiting hospitals all over the world."

President and Chief Executive Officer Albert L. Greene said: "The Bluebell Railway Playroom is a magnificent room to behold, a realistic slice of yesteryear. We are grateful for the generosity of the Stein Family Foundation and the tremendous artistry of this addition to our hospital."

About Valley Presbyterian Hospital

Celebrating its 50th Anniversary this year, Valley Presbyterian Hospital is one of the largest acute care hospitals in the San Fernando Valley. The 350-bed facility offers leading-edge technology and medical expertise in maternal and child health, cardiac care, orthopedics, and critical care services. VPH has more than 500 physicians representing virtually every specialty and most sub-specialties. For more information, visit our website at: www.valleypres.org.