Golisano Children’s Hospital Cuts Ribbon on Pediatric Interventional Radiology Suite

On December 12, Golisano Children’s Hospital (GCH) unveiled its new pediatric Interventional Radiology (IR) suite, a state-of-the-art facility designed specifically for children in which minimally invasive procedures - like lumbar punctures, feeding tube placements, and biopsies - are performed.  Prior to the suite’s opening, children requiring these procedures were cared for in adult spaces or, in some instances, referred to hospitals hours away. This facility marks a critical step in delivering advanced care to children across the region, ensuring they can remain close to home for treatment.

Interventional radiology leverages imaging technologies such as X-rays, ultrasound, CT scans or MRI to diagnose and treat a variety of conditions —even cardiovascular disease and cancer—less invasively and with unprecedented precision. Some common pediatric IR procedures include liver biopsies, feeding tube and central line placements, and angiograms and angioplasties to monitor and improve blood flow.

“This new suite allows us to perform the full spectrum of IR procedures,” said Jennifer Harvey, MD, chair of the Department of Imaging Sciences at URMC. “By reducing recovery times and minimizing risks compared to surgery, these techniques significantly improve outcomes and experiences for our pediatric patients. Now, more children in our region can receive these critical services without leaving the supportive, family-centered environment of Golisano Children’s Hospital.”

The pediatric IR suite was made possible through the contributions of community donors, including a $500,000 gift from long-time GCH supporters Mark and Maureen Davitt. Additional funding from B&L Wholesale Supply and community organizations such as Fairport Music Fest was instrumental to the project’s completion.  

The new suite addresses a long-standing need in pediatric care at GCH; as other complex pediatric services and programs expanded, the absence of a dedicated pediatric IR space posed challenges for increasing numbers of patients and families.  With the suite’s opening, GCH is realizing its vision of providing the full complement of pediatric healthcare services that are available in the top freestanding children’s hospitals in the nation.

“During the past decade, we’ve continuously expanded our capacity to meet the needs of children and families,” said Jill Halterman, MD, physician-in-chief of GCH. “Interventional radiology was one of the last remaining core services to be added at our hospital. Thanks to our community’s support and generosity, children needing these procedures can now obtain them close to home and in an environment designed for their specific needs.”