A grand opening Wednesday for the new, upscale Forest Park Medical Center drew several hundred people to hear top executives behind the project, take tours and enjoy a Wolfgang Puck-catered lunch.
The hospital has 10 family suites among its 54 private rooms. The suites include a second room within the room, appointed with a foldout-king-sized bed and flat screen television. Exterior gardens are designed specifically so patients can look out on soothing views, and the overall feel is closer to high-end hotel than hospital.
The services include six Intensive Care Unit beds, 12 operating suites, an emergency room, two endoscopy/special procedure suites and full-service imaging including MRI and CT scans.
"Suspend all your previous notions of health care and prepare to be impressed," Dr. Charles Nasem, CEO of the physician-owned hospital, told the crowd.
Others on hand for the opening included Southlake Mayor John Terrell, who cut the ceremonial ribbon outside, near the clock tower and fountains that mark the front entrance.
A representative from the office of U.S. Rep. Kenny Marchant, R-District 24, presented Nasem with an American flag.
The new hospital is on of three locations in Texas — the others are in Frisco and Dallas. More are planned in Fort Worth, Austin and San Antonio. For more information, visit www.forestparkmedical.com.