A new tower expansion at Phoenix Children’s Hospital is sure to make visiting a little easier for Arizona’s youngest patients.

Featuring a mix of contemporary design elements and fun, colorful lighting and art displays, the first few floors of the 11-story patient tower opened Jan. 31. Five outpatient clinics specializing in dermatology, endocrinology, pulmonology, orthopedics and gastroenterology are serving patients, with plans to move some inpatient services by June, said Marj Abele, RN, BSN, PCH apnea program coordinator.

The tower will help the hospital grow from 345 beds to 498 by June, eventually building out to 626 beds once the project is completed.

Among the details specifically geared toward youngsters are brightly colored flowers and a light show on one of the walls, bricks on the floor that change with each step, modern furniture, and a light-filled atrium featuring a funky mobile dangling from the ceiling.

“It’s a fun building,” Abele said. “I think when you create a space that’s exciting to children, it takes away some of the fear about what they’re facing.”

A major amenity for both patients and healthcare providers is the close proximity of staff. Each clinic has its own team working near exam rooms, allowing the hospital to better meet the needs of patients. The space also includes new equipment and updated technology. “We didn’t bring any old stuff to the new building,” Abele said.

Considering the hospital began 30 years ago inside Banner Good Samaritan Hospital, RNs such as Abele — who’s been with PCH for 25 years — are thrilled to see the new tower become reality.

“It’s basically a dream come true,” Abele said. “It’s functional and beautiful and peaceful, and it reflects that Phoenix Children’s Hospital really cares about Arizona’s kids. We aren’t just about a building. It’s a healing space.”