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When Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) was built in 1965, it was considered state of the art, according to GBMC Vice Chief of Staff and Director of the GBMC Hospitalist Group J. Christopher Greenawalt, MD.
“But what was new and great 57 years ago really doesn’t meet the needs of today’s complex medical patients,” says Dr. Greenawalt.
GBMC’s newest construction efforts and fundraising campaign, The Promise Project, is set to change that by bringing two historic advancements to GBMC: the Sandra R. Berman Pavilion, a new home for cancer care services, and the Louis and Phyllis Friedman Building, a three-story addition to the hospital’s main building.
The Friedman Building features two acute care units with 30 beds each, and a bright, airy atrium lobby. Also on the lobby level will be a multidenominational chapel and a healing garden. The new building is scheduled to open in fall 2023.
“The rooms themselves will be double the size of the current rooms,” says Dr. Greenawalt, who chairs the Physicians, Nurses and Medical Staff Division of The Promise Project and has been instrumental in engaging fellow clinicians in fundraising efforts for the project. “And I love that they will be soundproof so people can get the rest they need.”
Additionally, each patient room will include a private bathroom, convertible sleep sofa for family members and an interior window so they can check on patients without entering their rooms. Rooms will be outfitted with the latest technology including a large flat screened TV, where patients can view scans and other important information from their bed.
During the three-year design process, Dr. Greenawalt says, “We spent a tremendous amount of time working with architects and space planners to get it just right. What I really loved about the way GBMC did this is that we chose to take input from employees—everyone who will function in this space—physicians as well as case managers, nurses, therapists, custodial staff as well as patients and families.
“It’s all designed to enhance our patients’ experience first and foremost. With this new modern space, we’ll be able to give them the very best care, which is what they deserve.”
One year into construction and with one year to go until completion, fundraising has reached 94 percent of a $50 million goal thanks to many dedicated supporters, some of whom have been with GBMC from the beginning. The Promise Project is an extension of GBMC’s vision and promise to the community to put the patient first.
The donation will be directed to help foster research conducted by faculty at the University of Maryland School of Medicine and to advance innovative treatments.
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