Rhode Island Hospital this past Tuesday marked a significant milestone in its efforts to build the future of health care in the Ocean State with the opening of its renovated lobby. The $4.35 million project to transform what is the hospital’s front door was funded entirely by philanthropy and buoyed by a leadership gift of $2.5 million from longtime supporters John and Tricia Ferreira. In recognition of the couple’s incredible support, the space has been named The John and Tricia Ferreira Lobby.
“This project would not have been possible without the generosity of those who recognized the value and importance of this undertaking as an investment in the health and well-being of our community,” said Sarah Frost, President, Rhode Island Hospital/Hasbro Children’s, and Chief Hospital Operations, Brown University Health. “Thanks to their support, we have created an environment that welcomes, calms, and inspires all who walk through our doors.”
The modernization of one of Rhode Island Hospital’s most integral and functional areas brings improved services, better amenities, and an enhanced welcoming experience to patients and their families. Among the changes are a new guest services lounge and restrooms, private conference rooms, relocated information desk, enhanced lighting, additional seating areas, a new climate comfort system, and renovated physicians’ lounge. The changes were shaped by community and staff feedback, and will improve visitor flow, efficiency, and accessibility while fostering an environment that augments comfort, privacy, and navigation.
“This is our opportunity to give back to Rhode Island Hospital for being there 24/7 for our family and for our community,” said John Ferreira, whose support of the hospital dates back nearly four decades. “Rhode Island Hospital is the cornerstone of healthcare in our state and an invaluable resource for all who live here.”
Renovating the hospital’s main entrance had long been a vision of Lawrence A. Aubin, Sr., chairman of the Brown University Health board of directors, whose experiences in hospitals shaped his perspective. “When done right, a lobby can calm and comfort patients, even in difficult times,” he said. “It can momentarily lift you beyond the reality of being in a hospital – that’s the experience I wanted to bring to Rhode Island Hospital, creating a space that aptly complements the excellence of the care the hospital provides.”
The renovation of the Rhode Island Hospital lobby is just the first step in Brown University Health’s long-term plan to build the future of healthcare in the Ocean State. Looking ahead, Brown Health is committed to reinvesting in its infrastructure to ensure its facilities are equipped with the state-of-the-art resources its dedicated healthcare teams need to deliver the future of medicine.