New doctors' building in OKC is designed to ease sick children's sometimes difficult pathway

"He's just so sweet," she quietly told some visitors.

The boy's family was taking a walk no one wants to take. Yet they're thankful top-notch medical care for children is available in Oklahoma City.

During a tour of the new 14-story OU Children's Physicians Building at NE 13 and Phillips Avenue, McNall-Knapp had just shown off the new 10th floor exam room where the little boy and his parents were headed.

The 14 exam rooms are equipped with a heat board that children draw on using the heat of their hands.

McNall-Knapp waved her hand toward a wall in the art therapy area, lined with tiles created from children's paintings. She said volunteers and staff play with the kids in art diversionary therapy, "So they're running around, excited about being here rather than being afraid." It's all part of the project designed to make families' sometimes heart-wrenching steps into the hospital less scary for children.

Next to the wall of art is the infusion room. That big word conjures up visions of catheters, but in reality, to kids, the room resembles a playground with tent-like structures hanging from the ceiling. The area is where young patients get bone marrow infusions or spinal tap procedures. Families can pull the wings of white material around them like a cocoon and watch cable TV, chat or generally rest before or after the therapy.