UPMC McKeesport’s New Courtyard Entrance Welcomes Patients and Visitors
By: Stephanie Stanley
UPMC McKeesport President Mark O’Hern and hospital executives were joined by a representative from Senator Jim Brewster’s office and Mayor Michael Cherepko to officially open its new courtyard entrance to the hospital campus just in time for the holiday season. The new space is designed to improve the patient experience by providing a bright and inviting entrance with easy-to-read directional signs and a concierge to help direct visitors.
The McKeesport Hospital Foundation (MHF) worked with hospital staff and leadership for several years to bring the new space to fruition.
“A shared vision that was clear and purposeful helped us achieve our goal” said, Eliana Latterman, director of development, MHF. “The courtyard entrance reflects on the lives of those who have contributed to the hospital and makes clear that UPMC McKeesport strives to provide the best possible health care for its community.”
Dr. Susan Rakfal, chair, Radiation Oncology, said the new entrance “shows the support and partnership with the McKeesport community and the staff’s dedication. The space communicates the quality of the health care team and the clinical care delivered to our patients.”
The hospital also unveiled the Usman Ahmad, M.D., Memorial Conference Center, a new, state-of-the-art space for meetings and educational presentations named for the beloved physician who served as director of the Lions Diabetes Center at UPMC McKeesport. Members of Dr. Ahmad’s family were on hand for the dedication.
In addition, a plaque honoring the memory of beloved physician Dr. Frank Flit, former chair of the UPMC McKeesport Dept. of Physical Medicine & Rehab was hung in the Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department.
Over the past four years, more than $30 million has been invested to make UPMC McKeesport Hospital a more accessible, patient-friendly campus. The coming years will see even more modernization of the facilities.
Dr. Susan Rakfal, chair, Radiation Oncology, said the new entrance “shows the support and partnership with the McKeesport community and the staff’s dedication. The space communicates the quality of the health care team and the clinical care delivered to our patients.”
