A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held Wednesday for the "new" Golisano Children's Hospital.
The 8-story, $145 million project is the largest capital project in the University of Rochester's history. It includes state of the art patient care technology, and living space for parents so they can be with their children during their hospital stay.
Paychex founder and local philanthropist Tom Golisano donated $20 million to get it off the ground. He says the new hospital will help with the recruitment of top-notch staff. And in an emotional speech to those attending the afternoon dedication he talked about how important this investment in the medical facility is for him.
"The only wealth you get to keep, is that which you give away. And I know someday I'm not going to be here and some of the families won't be here, but this building will be here, and that's our ongoing wealth."
Phase I of the project has been completed.
Phase II will include the construction of 24 private neonatal intensive care units, a Pediatric Intensive Care Unit and Pediatric cardiac care center.
Officials expect to transition from the old hospital to the new Golisano Children's Hospital starting in July.
