#United States #Pediatric Care #Cincinnati #Cincinnati Children's #Liberty Campus

Cincinnati Children's Hospital Major Expansion

Cincinnati Children's Hospital is embarking on a significant expansion project at its Liberty Campus in Butler County, aimed at enhancing access to quality healthcare for children and families in the region. This initiative will not only increase the number of inpatient beds but also establish a new medical office building for outpatient services.

Expansion Details

Cincinnati Children's plans to more than double the current capacity for inpatient care by adding 72 new beds within the hospital's expansion. Alongside this, a new four-story medical office building will be built next to the hospital. This building will house various outpatient specialty clinics, ensuring that families can access a broader range of services in one location.

Dr. Steve Davis, the president and CEO of Cincinnati Children's, emphasized the importance of this project, stating, "We are improving access for children and families in and around Butler County by bringing more services close to home." The construction will incorporate advanced technology and design elements based on feedback from patient families, the community, and hospital staff.

Groundwork for the expansion is scheduled to commence in March 2025, with construction of the medical office building expected to begin later in the summer. While many services currently offered at Liberty will be relocated to the new building, this will free up space within the hospital for further enhancements. The medical office building is projected for completion by 2027.

Hospital Addition Features

The hospital's four-story addition will feature four new operating rooms, three surgical procedure rooms, and an expanded Emergency Department to accommodate 10 additional rooms. Post-expansion, the Liberty Campus will total 114 inpatient beds, combining the new beds with the existing 42 beds available.

In addition to the new patient wards, over 100,000 square feet of existing hospital space will undergo renovations to optimize patient flow and enhance facilities such as imaging, pharmacy, and laboratories. This renovation is set to finish by the summer of 2029 and will also add more administrative, educational, and recreational spaces, including a new outdoor dining area.

Cincinnati Children's Liberty Campus began its journey in 2008, initially serving the community with pediatric emergency services and a small number of beds. Over the years, it has grown significantly; the volume of care has nearly tripled, and the center now handles more than 282,000 patient encounters annually.

Dr. Evaline Alessandrini, chief operating officer, noted that the growth has been immense, with an average of 60 surgeries performed daily. As families increasingly rely on local services, this expansion reflects the commitment to remain a leading pediatric health provider in the region.

Employment Opportunities

As part of this expansion, Cincinnati Children's expects to create at least 250 new jobs over the next five years. Currently, over 1,025 employees are based at the Liberty Campus, which is part of the larger Cincinnati Children's network that employs approximately 19,500 staff across its facilities.

The estimated investment for this extensive expansion project at the Liberty Campus is around $365 million, covering design, construction, and the acquisition of necessary medical equipment. This ambitious project reaffirms Cincinnati Children's commitment to providing expert care and improving facilities for its pediatric patients.

In conclusion, as Cincinnati Children's Hospital expands its Liberty Campus, it not only enhances its capacity and services but also solidifies its role as a cornerstone of pediatric healthcare in Butler County and surrounding areas. By investing in the community and its health infrastructure, Cincinnati Children's continues to be a beacon of hope for many families in need of specialized pediatric care.