ORLANDO, FL (March 16, 2005) – For more than 20 years the Palmer family has supported Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Women creating a long-lasting legacy of caring in Central Florida. Today, John Bozard, president of Orlando Regional Healthcare Foundation, along with professional golfer Arnold Palmer announced the name of Orlando Regional's newest hospital - Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies.
"We believe the greatest legacy Winnie Palmer shared with Arnold Palmer Hospital was her love and compassion for children and women," said Bozard. "Naming our new hospital after Winnie Palmer is a natural continuation of a legacy of caring that began over 20 years ago and will continue for generations to come."
Winnie Palmer gave a great deal of her time to help shape Arnold Palmer Hospital's vision and mission and served on the hospital's board of directors for more than 10 years. She also initiated several traditions at the hospital including the annual Halloween parade for patients to help them forget for a moment where they are so they can enjoy being a child. Additionally, Winnie and Arnold would often spend time with staff to thank them for their dedication to caring for children and women as well as visit with patients to hear their stories.
"I can't think of a more appropriate tribute to honor my mother's warm heart, caring spirit and commitment to helping others, than naming the new hospital after her," said Amy Saunders, Winnie and Arnold's daughter. The generosity and leadership of the Palmer family and support from the National Advisory Council (NAC) has helped make the dream possible. The NAC, assembled by Mr. Palmer and comprised of national and local business leaders in addition to family friends, leads national fundraising efforts and increases awareness by sharing Arnold Palmer Hospital's story with global audiences.
"Caring for others was one of Winnie's greatest passions and she would be very pleased to see the realization of the vision she helped set forth for the children and women of Central Florida," said Palmer. The new 273-bed, 11-story Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies will be located across from Arnold Palmer Hospital expanding the current women's and neonatal intensive care services. The hospital's unique, circular design provides a maximum-efficient layout in all areas of the hospital creating a patient-centered environment. Design features include a serene setting through the use of warm, soothing colors and tones, private rooms with Murphy beds for family members; natural lighting with oversized windows in patient rooms; celebration rooms for families to gather after the birth of a new baby and flexible space to respond to future needs. This expansion will allow the existing Arnold Palmer Hospital to be transformed into a dedicated children's facility expanding pediatric services. Additionally construction is currently underway on a new pediatric emergency department and trauma center.
Arnold Palmer Hospital for Children & Women, part of Orlando Regional Healthcare, is a 281-bed facility dedicated exclusively to the needs of children and women. Located in Orlando, Arnold Palmer Hospital includes a regional center for neonatal care, a Congenital Heart Institute, maternal and pediatric intensive care as well as hematology/oncology services. Since 1989, more than 110,000 babies have been born at Arnold Palmer Hospital. To learn more, visit www.arnoldpalmerhospital.org. Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women & Babies, part of Orlando Regional Healthcare, will be a 273-bed facility dedicated exclusively to the need of women and babies and is scheduled to open in 2006. To learn more, visitwww.winniepalmerhospital.org