New pediatric center at Hospital for Special Surgery

WABC-TV News--New York—September 12, 2012

The new pediatric center at Hospital for Special Surgery is a multi-million dollar project that is about to be complete.

"Scoliosis is when your spine is making a teeny weeny s shape," said Kaitlyn Kirby.

To fix the scoliosis, 7-year-old Kaitlyn Kirby has had to wear a brace for the last couple years, and so does her doll Isabella.

Kaitlyn is one of countless children who has been treated here at Hospital for Special Surgery in Manhattan.

And now for the first time there's a brand new area just for kids.

"We have pediatricians, we have pediatric rheumatologists, we have surgeons and rehabilitation specialists and we're all in one facility," said Dr. Roger Widmann, Chief of Pediatric Orthopedic Surgery.

The new children's pavilion has 10 private rooms with breathtaking views of the East River, and from the nursing station the staff can see directly into each room.

And whether it's scoliosis or a broken arm, it's crucial for kids with growing bones to get care early and fast to prevent a lifetime of pain and problems.

The new pediatric center at Hospital for Special Surgery cost $24 million and was paid for by private and corporate donations. It's expected to be up and running by the end of October.

This story originally appeared on abclocal.go.com.