Oishei Children’s Hospital in Buffalo, New York, is set to undergo a significant transformation, changing its name to Golisano Children’s Hospital following an unprecedented financial donation. The gift, amounting to $50 million, marks the largest contribution to a healthcare organization in Western New York’s history. This change aligns the hospital with the Golisano Foundation, enhancing its capacity to provide pediatric care.

The announcement was made by Don Boyd, CEO of Kaleida Health, who emphasized the importance of this donation in establishing a network of children’s hospitals under the Golisano name. “It means so much to now be a part of a network of children’s hospitals that have the honor of bearing his name,” Boyd stated. With this change, Oishei Children’s Hospital joins a prestigious group, becoming the third Golisano Children’s Hospital in New York, alongside similar facilities in Rochester and Syracuse.

Strengthening Pediatric Care Across Regions

The collaboration with the Golisano Foundation is expected to enhance pediatric healthcare services significantly. Erica Dayton, Executive Director of the Golisano Foundation, highlighted the advantages of this partnership, stating that it will facilitate better access to specialized services. “If one hospital doesn’t have neurosurgery and another does, they can connect,” Dayton noted.

The hospital employs around 2,000 staff members, all dedicated to pediatric care, and its affiliation with the Golisano network promises to improve resource sharing and fundraising efforts. This collaboration aims to elevate the quality of care available to children and their families throughout the region.

While the Oishei Foundation will no longer serve as the primary supporter of the hospital, Christina Orsi, the foundation’s president, assured that the organization will remain actively involved in the community. The foundation’s focus will shift towards neighborhood investments, particularly emphasizing family and community development initiatives.

Wider Philanthropic Impact

The transformation of Oishei Children’s Hospital is part of a broader philanthropic strategy introduced by Tom Golisano, founder of the Golisano Foundation. In September, he announced plans to donate over $350 million to more than 80 nonprofits across New York State. The initial planned donation to Oishei was around $10 million, but the recent increase to $50 million indicates a significant commitment to enhancing healthcare services.

Other notable contributions from Golisano include $10 million to Niagara Memorial Medical Center, $10 million to Niagara University, and $5 million to Daemen University, among others. The ripple effect of this financial commitment extends beyond just healthcare, impacting various sectors within the community.

This name change and the accompanying financial support represent a pivotal moment for pediatric healthcare in Western New York. As Golisano Children’s Hospital prepares for this transition, the local community anticipates enhanced services and continued dedication to child health and wellness.

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