An official wall-breaking ceremony held Wednesday celebrated the first phase of construction on a $3 million pediatric unit at Staten Island University Hospital.

“This project is something that’s been needed for a long time,” said Dr. Brahim Ardolic, Executive Director, Staten Island University Hospital. “It allows us to create multiple rooms that are appropriate for children and allows us to take care of kids in a way that makes them feel comfortable and meets the needs of their parents.”

The new space will have five patient treatment areas, a patient care station, and its own dedicated entrance to keep kids away from the sights and sounds of an active adult emergency room.

The project was made possible through a $500,000 grant from the Emergency Children’s Help Organization (ECHO).