Excerpted from Advancing Medicine. Touching Lives. Winter 2024

Renovations Underway for the Rhode Island Hospital Lobby

Renovating the lobby at Rhode Island Hospital has been a dream for quite some time. Fortunately, it’s about to become reality—thanks to some generous, future-thinking philanthropists.

John and Tricia Ferreira were the first to raise their hands in support of this transformational project, pledging an incredible $2.5 million leadership gift to help ensure that the hospital’s new entrance reflects the high quality of services provided within. “This is our opportunity to give back to Rhode Island Hospital for being there 24/7 for our family and our community,” explains John, whose support of the hospital dates 
back almost four decades.

A friendly connection

John Ferreira and Lawrence A. Aubin Sr., Chairman of the Lifespan Board of Directors and Rhode Island Hospital’s Board of Trustees, were business associates beginning in the 1980s. Their successful working relationship blossomed into a lifelong friendship and mutual love of their favorite hospitals.

“I’ve known Larry forever,” John says. “He was one of the area’s biggest commercial building contractors when we met, and I was doing lots of construction and site work with my companies. It was through my connection with Larry and seeing his dedication to Hasbro Children’s and Rhode Island hospitals that got me interested and excited about also supporting them in any way I could.”

John adds that when you have hospitals of this caliber close to you, you should feel compelled to support them if you have the means to do so.

“A hospital is something that nobody really thinks about ... until they or someone they love needs it,” he says. “So, if our gift can help enhance the care at Rhode Island Hospital and boost the morale of the people who work there, Tricia and I are proud and more than happy to help. We made this donation for our present and future families, but also for our friends’ families and families that we don’t know. Because health is what’s most important in life.”

Why it matters

At Rhode Island Hospital, providing excellent care is at the heart of the hospital’s mission. That care experience often begins in the lobby, when a patient first walks in.

In the past, hospital lobbies were considered little more than a drop-off spot or place to check-in, wait to receive care, or pass through to visit a loved one. However, the science behind evidence-based hospital design has evolved significantly in recent years.

Thoughtful design enhances experience, supports recruitment

Today, there is a greater understanding of the positive impact thoughtful lobby design can have on important health care elements, including patient comfort and satisfaction, stress and anxiety, privacy, wayfinding and navigation, and technology enablement.

In fact, a growing number of studies are finding that lobby aesthetics support community engagement and improve health and well-being. Things like nature-inspired art, warm wood tones, and calming lights enhance the healing environment, and amenities such as cafés and retail shops make the space more inviting and welcoming.

Moreover, Rhode Island Hospital is the primary teaching hospital for The Warren Alpert Medical School at Brown University. As part of a world-class academic medical center, its facilities should be reflective of the position and importance the hospital and health system hold in our state and surrounding communities. Renovating the lobby not only conveys that message, but also supports the hospital’s recruitment efforts of the best and brightest—because first impressions are lasting impressions.