BUFFALO, N.Y. — It's almost time for what will be a historic move, as patients and families say goodbye to the 125-year-old Women & Children's Hospital on Bryant Street.

"This has been 10 years in the making, but really two years with construction, two and a half years. But we're really excited for the staff," said Michael Hughes, a Kaleida spokesperson. 

Staff training is well underway as media got a final walkthrough Monday at the new John R. Oishei Children's Hospital. Employees have had between four and 24 hours of training, plus four mock moves to ensure smooth transport of the 150 some patients to the Buffalo Niagara Medical Campus.

"There is a lot of work that's been done the last couple of months to get everybody through that orientation and training. I think by getting people here early on, it's not going to seem that unfamiliar on move day," said Hughes.

The official move to the new John R. Oishei Children's Hospital on the Medical Campus starts the morning of November 10. It could take anywhere between 12 and 24 hours to move all the patients in.

"That hospital will be fully functional up until the last patient moves. So if you think of it this way, on Friday, November 10th, we will operate dual operating rooms, emergency rooms, helipads until that last patient moves. And then the focus will be here on Ellicott Street," said Hughes.

As of 7 a.m. Friday, November 10, the new hospital will be fully functional, and patients needing emergency care are asked to go to the new location.

"If you normally go to your pediatrician, go to your pediatrician. If you normally go to urgent care, go to urgent care. If you have to bring your child to the hospital, bring them to the hospital. Don't do anything different or out of the ordinary because of the move," said Hughes.

While the parking garage is still under construction, a portion of it will be open by move-day. Valet will also be available.

All the signage both in and around both hospitals, as well as the signs on the streets directing people where to go are ready and will be unveiled as the move takes place.

If anyone would like to help with the move, Kaleida is still looking for volunteers. They're already full on move-day November 10, but are looking for people to help in a variety of departments over the weekend. Anyone interested can call (716) 878-7000.