Grand re-opening for Conn. Burn Center

BRIDGEPORT, Conn. (WTNH) -- Bridgeport Hospital's Connecticut Burn Center has a whole new look as the facility had a grand re-opening today.

It has taken one year, but the $1.5M renovation project has now been completed and it was revealed to the public today.

Firefighters from around the state were among the group invited today to the ribbon cutting ceremony of the re-dedication of around-the-clock Bridgeport Connecticut Burn Center.

Firefighters, who see so many burn victims started pushing for the family suite about ten years ago and they helped to fund it.

"On behalf of all Connecticut state firefighters, we'd like to present a check to the Connecticut Burn Center in the among of 126-thousand dollars," a Firefighter announced.

Among the patients being treated at the new and improved center is Gary Henry of Waterbury. He was critically burned in a house explosion in Shelton a few months back.

"I was burned over 55-percent of my body, my legs, my arms, my face, pretty much my entire body and I came here and they took care of me. I had seven surgeries including one last night," Henry said.

Henry is now an outpatient at the facility.

Along with a place for families to stay, there is a new patient elevator, upgraded patient rooms and treatment areas, expanded staff work areas and a new main entrance.

The burn center treats about 200 inpatients and 800 outpatients from Connecticut and neighboring states each year.