Danbury Hospital has opened the doors to its largest addition in the facility's nearly 130 year history. The celebration Friday night, complete with a fire works display, marked Western Connecticut Health Network raising $71-million from nearly 8,000 donors. Peter Buck, the founder of Subway sandwich shops, donated $10 million, but challenged WCHN to raise $50 million. Since they met that goal, Buck added $20 million dollars to his original donation. Buck hoped to inspire others to help advance access to exceptional healthcare in the region.
The 11-story tower is named for Buck and his late wife Carmen Lúcia. Their $30 million donation set a record for WCHN. The Danbury resident says he made the sizeable donation to express his sincere appreciation for the superior care he and his family have received at Danbury Hospital over the years.
WCHN President and CEO Dr. John Murphy says as healthcare funding declines and the industry faces unprecedented financial challenges, innovation and advancements in patient care are more dependent than ever on philanthropic donations. He added that the generosity of donors to help WCHN fulfill its mission: to improve the health and wellness of the communities we serve. I can’t think of a more worthy investment than health.
The new 316,000 square foot Peter and Carmen Lúcia Buck Pavilion at Danbury Hospital includes a 35-bed medical/surgical patient-care floor, a 30-bed state-of-the-art Critical Care Unit, patient amenities and other improvements. The private patient rooms are larger, to accommodate family members who wish to spend the night with the patient.
The new Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Emergency Department, is a 40,000 square foot Emergency Department. Double the size of the former Emergency Department, it includes a streamlined triage area, all private patient rooms equipped with state-of-the-art technology, an express care area for less acute patients and a dedicated imaging center so patients can be diagnosed and treated more rapidly. There is also a specialized pediatric unit and a direct-access heliport to expand the Hospital's capacities as a Level II Trauma Center.
