On Sunday evening, March 29, Parkland Health & Hospital System painted the town purple for its celebration of the dedication of the new Parkland Hospital. Lighted buildings throughout the city switched from their signature green and red to “Parkland purple” in honor of Dallas, Texas’ new public hospital and one of its primary colors.
The Bank of America Plaza, Reunion Tower, Hunt Oil Company, the Omni Hotel, 17Seventeen McKinney and the new Parkland are among the sites that were “painted” in purple lights.
Dedication of the new 862-bed facility took place on Monday, March 30. More than 400 community leaders, faith-based representatives, elected officials and donors joined Parkland staff for the invitation-only event. The facility is scheduled to open for patient care on Aug. 20.
“This is an historic day for healthcare in Dallas,” said Debbie D. Branson, chair of Parkland’s board of managers. “This facility is a testament to those taxpayers, donors and far-sighted leaders who believe in Parkland and its mission. Without their unwavering support, we would not be dedicating this hospital for our patients today and for generations to come.”
And in order for others to get a glimpse of the new Parkland before it opens to patients, a community open house was held Saturday, April 11. Dallas County residents were invited to take self-guided tours in four areas of the hospital – emergency/trauma, surgery, Women & Infants Specialty Health and an inpatient unit where the private patient rooms were available for viewing.
The new Parkland is designed with the patient in mind. This patient-centered approach creates a healing environment with single patient rooms, windows and natural light, as well as more space for family and visitors. An on-stage/off-stage model provides comfort, quiet and enhanced safety for the patient, as well as efficiency for staff.
BARA is the construction manager at risk. The BARA joint venture team consists of Balfour Beatty Construction, Austin Commercial, H.J. Russell & Company and Azteca Enterprises. The team of HDR + Corgan designed the hospital.
Photo source: www.parklandhospital.com.
