Just inside the revolving front doors, a beautiful glass sculpture by Susan Chrysler White depicts a colorful collection of butterflies—the symbol of hope.

Music radiates from a baby grand player piano.

Welcome to the Patient and Visitor Center at University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics. The hospital's new main entrance provides a world-class reception to a world-class facility, says Donna Katen-Bahensky, senior associate vice president for medical affairs and CEO.

"We wanted our main entrance to reflect a patient-centered environment of healing and hope," she says. "The physical environment here is vital to the well-being of our patients and families."

What's new?

• Enhanced main information desk, concierge service and business center
• Larger, private patient registration area
• Rest rooms, including family space
• Wild Rose Gifts, an expansion of the Volunteer Services Gift Shop, offering a multitude of new items including expanded jewelry, infants and children gifts, home décor, handbags, gifts featuring the hospital logo, and special gift baskets
• Wild Rose Books, a partnership between Volunteer Services and the University Book Store, featuring many popular titles along with newspapers and magazines
• Java House, a partnership between Volunteer Services and the community based gourmet coffee shop

Ask the Concierge

Like guests at a fine hotel, the patients and visitors at UI Hospitals and Clinics can rely on Concierge Services for information and amenities including:

• Help with overnight lodging, transportation, dining, shopping, and local attractions
• Valet parking
• Patient escorting
• Computer and Internet access
• Notary, photo copying, and Fax

The Concierge Services staff also sends birthday cards and recognitions of special occasions for inpatients, and handles unique requests such as special banking or emergency needs.