It should be easier to get kids to see their pediatrician when the doctor's office looks like fun with statues of dogs, brightly colored hallways, fish tanks, treats and a slide that leads to the exit. This is what families will find at Springfield Clinic's new state-of-the-art pediatrics facility at 3501 Old Jacksonville Road.
Dr. Purvi Bhandari, chair of Springfield Clinic Pediatrics, said that the providers and the building committee set out to create a facility designed for the ease and safety of families, beginning with car-free pedestrian routes to access the building from the parking lot. Bhandari explained that the building design traced the steps of a parent, and she pointed out to the construction-design professionals the many pain points – things children touch, pull down and climb on – along the way. She is pleased to say, "Now everything is hidden so that kids cannot get to stuff that can hurt them. We also paid great attention to detail in the art and nuance that went into this building." The suites incorporate a space theme with artwork on the ceilings and walls.
Bhandari said, "We built in technology so that we can offer evidence-based care. We have a large group of physicians, nurse practitioners, a dietitian and a pediatric social worker, in addition to lactation consultants and private rooms where mothers can breastfeed their babies." Radiology and phlebotomy are on site. The phlebotomist comes to the exam room, which makes it easier to get labs done without having an added stop. She added that dermatology and urology will be making scheduled rounds to the facility.
"This has been a passion project for everyone involved. We put extra time and love into this project, and budgeted to make this a beautiful space where we hope to see a lot of kids grow up," Bhandari said.
Pediatricians are accepting new patients, and anyone is welcome to visit the facility and stop by the cafe, Sprouts, for some coffee and a nutritious snack – no appointment necessary.
