Renovations provide new atmosphere for patients

December 31, 2011 | News, UToday
By Nicolette Jett



The Kobacker Center at The University of Toledo Medical Center, which has long helped children and teens with emotional troubles, has completed a renovation project to create an improved atmosphere for patients and families.

This photo shows the Kobacker Center’s updated inpatient day area.

The children’s rooms now include cherry wood desks that are modern and match the room décor. There is more storage, shelving and lockers in the common areas for patients and staff, and all carpeting has been replaced with new flooring that provides a modern look.

“Environment can affect not only the mood of the patients, but also the mood of the staff,” said 
Tammy Cerrone, nurse manager of the inpatient unit at the Kobacker Center. “The renovations have created a brighter and healthier atmosphere, as well as a revived sense of excitement and renewed passion for what they do on a daily basis.”

The renovations helped create a living and learning environment that is more aesthetically pleasing for the patients and their families, said Karen DiPofi, Kobacker Center’s community liaison. It is the first major renovation since the center opened nearly 30 years ago.

The inpatient treatment center offers individualized care to meet the unique needs of each child and provides an environment where positive life experiences can be fostered; family involvement in the treatment is encouraged. It is northwest Ohio’s first hospital devoted to treating the emotional and behavioral needs of children and teens.

Along with the renovations, community-based support treatment services and new after-school programs have been created for children and teens. The evidence-based programs are tailored to meet the individual needs of the children.

“We are very excited to introduce the new after-school programs in addition to the current inpatient and outpatient treatment options at the center,” DiPofi said.

Staff members at the Kobacker Center include board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrists, clinical child psychologists, social workers, therapists, nurses, mental health technicians, occupational and expressive therapists, therapeutic recreation specialist, tutors, and resident physicians on call 24 hours a day.

For more information about the Kobacker Center, click here.

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