STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — A ceremonial “wall-breaking” ceremony Wednesday at Staten Island University Hospital’s Prince’s Bay campus marked the beginning of construction of a $3 million pediatric emergency care facility.

“An emergency room can be a stressful environment for all patients, especially when that patient is a child,” said Dr. Brahim Ardolic, executive director of SIUH, which is a member of Northwell Health. “When you bring your child in for an injury or an illness, to be near an adult patient suffering from a stroke or a heart attack can be traumatizing. This space will be an appropriate environment to administer care.”