SHARE

Danbury Hospital Opens Pavilion, Announces $30M Donation By Subway Founder

DANBURY, Conn. – Danbury Hospital has unveiled the new Peter Buck and Carmen Lucia Pavilion, the largest construction project in its 129-year history.

Danbury Hospital has opened a new 316,000-square-foot pavilion.

Danbury Hospital has opened a new 316,000-square-foot pavilion.

Photo Credit: Contributed

The 11-story pavilion was named after Danbury resident and Subway restaurant co-founder Peter Buck and his late wife. Buck donated a record-setting $30 million toward its construction.

Last year, Buck contributed $10 million and asked that his name be withheld. He also pledged an unrestricted gift of $20 million or more if the hospital could meet its $50 million campaign goal.

To meet his challenge, more than 8,000 donors contributed more than $71 million toward the Western Connecticut Health Network’s fundraising campaign.

“As health-care funding declines and the industry faces unprecedented financial challenges, innovation and advancement in patient care are more dependent than ever on philanthropic donations,” said John Murphy, president and CEO of the WCHN, in a press release. “In a very difficult economic climate, we’ve had very generous donators who recognize the importance of having a top-quality healthcare network to serve our region.

“With state funding reduced, reimbursements declining, and other sources of revenue shrinking, we rely on the generosity of our donors to help us fulfill our mission: to improve the health and wellness of the communities we serve. I can’t think of a more worthy investment than health.”

The new 316,000-square-foot pavilion includes a 35-bed medical and surgical care floor and a 30-bed critical care unit. Private patient rooms were expanded to accommodate families who wish to spend the night with patients. The lobby and its connected parking facility were also renovated.

The building also features the new Anna-Maria and Stephen Kellen Emergency Department. More than double the size of its predecessor, the 40,000-square-foot department features a new streamlined triage area, a specialized pediatric facility, and a direct-access heliport to expand the hospital’s capacities as a Level II trauma center, according to a press release.

Buck led the unveiling of the pavilion’s name and ribbon cutting ceremony, which was followed by a fireworks show. Guests at the ceremony included donors, and local government leaders such as U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) and state Public Health Deputy Commissioner Lisa Davis.

Danbury Hospital, New Milford Hospital and Norwalk Hospital are part of the WCHN, which serves residents of Western Connecticut and New York.

to follow Daily Voice Westport and receive free news updates.

SCROLL TO NEXT ARTICLE