#United States #Pediatric Care #Orlando, Florida #Florida Health #Nemours Children's

Nemours Children's Hospital Expands with $300 Million Investment

Nemours Children's Health is making a significant commitment to the future of pediatric healthcare in Central Florida by announcing a $300 million investment over the next four years. This expansion is designed to address the growing needs of children requiring comprehensive health services across the region.

A Game-Changer for Pediatric Care

The new plan includes three major building projects that will enhance the Nemours Children's Hospital campus in Orlando. This ambitious initiative aims not only to increase capacity but also to provide state-of-the-art medical facilities that will significantly improve the quality of care provided to young patients.

Doubling Emergency Department Capacity

The most critical component of the plan is a 110,000-square-foot expansion of the pediatric hospital, which will include a $150 million upgrade to the Emergency Department. This upgrade will effectively double its size and allow for an increase in the number of new inpatient beds and observation rooms. Additionally, the Imaging Department will be expanded to accommodate more thorough diagnostics, ensuring that children receive timely and effective treatments.

Dr. R. Lawrence Moss, President and CEO of Nemours Children's Health, emphasized the importance of this venture, stating, "This expansion is a critical step in achieving our vision of bringing world-class children's care to Florida," highlighting the commitment to serve families better at local, national, and international levels.

New Surgical Facilities and Rehabilitation Services

A significant portion of the investment will also fund a new 75,000-square-foot surgery center. This facility aims to cater specifically to the rapidly growing orthopedics division, boasting six new operating rooms and additional patient examination rooms. The center will include a groundbreaking International Center for Limb Lengthening and a Gait and Motion Analysis Lab, both of which represent firsts for Florida. Moreover, the expansion of Nemours’ Sports Medicine program and outpatient rehabilitation therapy services will further diversify the offerings available to patients.

Administrative Building and Parking Expansion

Alongside medical advancements, a new 75,000-square-foot administrative building will also be established, complete with an 800-space parking garage set to be operational by 2027. This facility is designed to support the healthcare professionals that are essential to delivering exceptional care to patients.

Meeting the Growing Need for Pediatric Services

As one of the fastest-growing states in the country, Florida is witnessing an increasing need for sophisticated pediatric services. Nemours already serves over 300,000 children and teenagers in the state, and with the pediatric population in Central Florida expected to increase by nearly 5% over the next five years, this expansion is both timely and necessary.

Martha McGill, President of the Central Florida Region for Nemours Children's Health, remarked, "While Nemours has offered world-class pediatric healthcare services for years, this investment significantly deepens our commitment to Central Florida." McGill noted that the expansion aligns directly with their broader mission to innovate pediatric care and improve overall child health.

Honoring a Legacy

This substantial investment exemplifies Nemours’ dedication to its pediatric mission. The organization is deeply rooted in the legacy of Alfred I. duPont and aims to uphold that legacy through stewardship in health services. The Nemours Foundation, which operates the health system, continues to prioritize high-quality, innovative care for children, emphasizing its holistic approach that transcends traditional medical services.

In summary, the $300 million expansion at Nemours Children’s Hospital is poised to address immediate healthcare needs while also laying a robust foundation for future pediatric care in Florida, thereby ensuring that all children in the region can enjoy a healthy start in life. Nemours is clearly making great strides toward becoming a nationally ranked children's hospital and a leader in pediatric healthcare.

For more information about the work being done at Nemours, visit Nemours.org.