Kid-Friendly Construction Zone: UF Health Helps Patients, Families Find Joy During Renovations

Move out of the way. It’s time for the new “construction team” to get to work. UF Health has welcomed a new crop of construction hires, and they’re all pediatric patients!

Construction zones and loud noises can be frightening for anyone, let alone those experiencing it inside a hospital. The UF Health Shands Hospital Patient Experience team recognizes that with the construction of Unit 44 in the UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital, patients and families near Unit 45 may be experiencing discomfort and uncertainty about what is happening.

What better way to solve this than getting patients in on the action? Patients in Unit 45 were given a hard hat, foam hammer, and an adorable rubber ducky to make them more comfortable while letting their imaginations run wild as the new “construction workers.”

Patients' families were given earplugs, eye masks, headphones, and brochures with information about the construction and renovations.

Hannah Wynn, UF Health Shands Patient Experience specialist, had two goals: to acknowledge the construction's presence and build excitement for what’s to come on Unit 44.

Wynn wanted to make sure they did something meaningful and, for now, the toys are here to stay. Each eligible patient on the unit will be given this gear to provide comfort during the renovations.

Wynn and her team knew they needed to foster a sense of knowledge and anticipation, and with the toys and brochures, they did just that. Construction often feels disruptive, but with a little imagination and some tools, the children can take on anything.

“You can tell from their smiles that even the care teams on the unit have enjoyed this special touch,” Wynn shared. “The new construction workers are more than happy to play their part.”

UF Health Shands Children’s Hospital Unit 44 is under construction to prioritize space for private patient care. The unit is being completely overhauled and converted into private rooms with ensuite restrooms and new examination areas. The renovated space will include an updated lobby, new furnishings, family rooms, a playroom, nursing alcoves, and so much more. Once Unit 44 is completed, renovations will begin on Unit 45.

Thanks to our incredible Patient Experience team, the construction kits empowered our pediatric patients and got them excited for what’s to come.

For construction updates, renovation renderings, and more information on this project, visit giving.UFHealth.org/BuiltForKids.