Bridgeport Hospital Burn Center Rededicated

Burn Center Re-Dedicated after Yearlong Renovation 

More than 100 people attended the dedication of the newly renovated Connecticut Burn Center at Bridgeport Hospital on Dec. 12.

The centerpiece of the renovation work is the addition of an overnight suite for families of patients, an idea suggested by local firefighters.

“First and foremost, the renovation was about providing safety and comfort to our patients and their families,” said President and CEO Bill Jennings.

Thanking supporters of the project, Burn Center Medical Director John Schulz, MD said, “You have already made a world of difference to several patients and their families.”

Among those on hand were members of the Connecticut firefighting community and representatives of utility companies who have provided support to the $1.5 million Burn Center renovation campaign. Other guests included Bridgeport Mayor Bill Finch and Fairfield-Trumbull State Rep. Tony Hwang.

The yearlong renovation project began in the fall of 2011 and was completed in September 2012. In addition to the new family suite, highlights of the work include the addition of a new dedicated patient elevator connecting the Burn Center directly to the Main Operating Room Suite, upgrades to patient rooms and treatment areas, the expansion of the nursing station and staff work area, and a new main entrance.

The Burn Center is the only dedicated burn care facility in the state. It provides care to nearly 200 inpatients and 800 outpatients from around Connecticut and neighboring states each year.

 “A world class burn center is necessary for a world class group of professionals,” said Steve Lupinacci, president of the Stratford Professional Firefighters Burn Foundation, one of the many firefighter organizations that supported the renovation project. Lupinacci is credited with spearheading the effort to add an overnight family suite to the Center.

At the end of the dedication ceremony, Lupinacci presented a check for $126,000 to the Burn Center—the amount raised so far by Connecticut firefighters to support the renovation.