6 minute read
DRISCOLL CHILDREN'S HOSPITAL
By Dr. Kimberly Selber
Driscoll Children’s Hospital, a brightly colored sanctuary, is not just a building; it’s a symbol of the unwavering spirit of a community united in care and the commitment to the children it serves. Constructed with input from local families and healthcare providers, the hospital reflects the region’s needs. Community events, volunteer programs, and family support initiatives ensure this hospital remains a vibrant part of the community, not just a place of healing.
The $100 million, eight-story hospital in Edinburg, Texas, provides acute pediatric specialty care 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year. Each colorful panel of the building reflects the myriad of stories and dreams of the children within, creating a mosaic of hope and healing. This new hospital, the first freestanding designated children’s hospital in the Valley, represents a significant step forward in healthcare access for a region with more than half a million children.
A Vision for the Future
From the moment ground was broken in November 2021, the vision for Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley has been clear: to meet the healthcare needs of a rapidly growing region that has long faced a shortage of pediatric specialists. Driscoll’s commitment to providing high-quality care to all children, regardless of their family’s ability to pay, is embodied in the new hospital’s mission.
“Our team is excited and ready to serve this community. From this moment on, children in the Rio Grande Valley with complex medical conditions will have access to care here at home, regardless of their ability to pay,” said Matt Wolthoff, President of Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley.
Comprehensive Care Close to Home
Designed with the unique needs of children in mind, the new hospital boasts 119 licensed beds and more than 700 employees, offering a wide range of services, including acute inpatient and outpatient surgery, emergency services and trauma services, a Level III Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, imaging, and laboratory services. The facility’s state-of-theart infrastructure spans 175,000 square feet and includes eight surgery suite operating rooms. Further, Driscoll offers specialty clinics offering comprehensive care for cardiology, endocrinology, gastroenterology, and other chronic conditions.
Driscoll sees more than 150,000 patients yearly, and many regularly journey from the Valley to Driscoll Children’s Hospital in Corpus Christi to receive specialty care. Now, with the new facility in Edinburg, children can receive the care they need closer to home. This accessibility is crucial for families who face the burden of travel, often having to leave their support systems behind.
“The need for patients and their families to be close to home, that is why this hospital exists today. Proximity and accessibility to our kids was at the forefront of our mind before we ever broke ground or drew up blueprints,” said Driscoll President and CEO Eric Hamon.
After touring the hospital, Sen. John Cornyn praised the state-of-the-art facility and the impact it would have on local families. “Thanks to Driscoll Children’s Hospital and their vision, they understood that the children and the families of the Rio Grande Valley should not have to travel 150 miles just to receive the care they need. So, I’m happy to say that ends today,” Cornyn said.
Driscoll Children’s Hospital is prepared to handle a wide range of pediatric health issues, from urgent care to lifesaving surgeries. This comprehensive approach ensures that families have a reliable, nearby resource for all their children’s health needs, providing unparalleled convenience and continuity of care.
Designed with children in Mind
Driscoll Children’s Hospital understands that the environment plays a crucial role in healing. The hospital is designed to be as child-friendly as possible. Every aspect, from the furnishings to the medical equipment, prioritizes child safety. Medical devices and furnishings are appropriately sized for children, ensuring comfort and safety. Dedicated play areas and activity rooms provide spaces where children can engage in normal, healthy play, a crucial aspect of their overall well-being
State-of-the-art technology is seamlessly integrated into the hospital’s operations to make children’s diagnostic procedures as stress-free as possible. MRI machines, equipped with video screens, allow children to watch their favorite shows during the scan, reducing anxiety and making the experience more pleasant. The hospital’s CT scanner can take up to 550 images per breath, significantly shortening the time children need to stay still and making the procedure quicker and easier
A Paw-Sitive Impact
The facility dog, Tesla, roams the halls, bringing comfort and smiles to young patients, adding a unique touch to the hospital’s compassionate care. These furry friends are vital to the healing process, offering emotional support and a sense of normalcy amidst medical treatments. Research shows that play and animal-assisted interventions can help reduce anxiety in children hospitalized for surgery or medical treatment. Further, these non-pharmacological approaches have positive effects on a child’s recovery.
Community Impact and Economic Growth
Driscoll Children’s Hospital Rio Grande Valley is a healthcare milestone and a significant economic driver for the region. According to a study by The Perryman Group, the hospital will generate $124.7 million annually in economic growth for Texas and create over 1,300 new jobs, further boosting the local economy.
The hospital’s presence also means that pediatric healthcare professionals from the Valley who left to seek employment elsewhere now have the opportunity to return home. Driscoll has actively encouraged these professionals to return, providing a robust local employment market.
Training the Next Generation
One of the most exciting aspects of the new hospital is the introduction of the Valley’s first pediatric residency training program, set to begin within the next two years. This program will train the next generation of pediatric professionals, ensuring that the region continues to benefit from highly skilled medical practitioners.
“Pediatric healthcare in the Valley is changing forever. This wouldn’t be possible without our patients, their families, and members of the community who believe in our nonprofit mission. Together, we heal,” said Driscoll President and CEO Eric Hamon.
Building a Healthier Future
Driscoll Children’s Hospital has been a cornerstone of pediatric care in South Texas since its founding in 1953.
With the opening of the new hospital in Edinburg, Driscoll is not just providing medical care; it’s creating a community where families find strength and solace, knowing they are never alone on the road to wellness. Driscoll ensures that every child receives comprehensive, compassionate care through social work, case management, educational outreach, and seamless coordination with local pediatricians. The hospital’s commitment to accessibility, quality care, and community involvement sets a new standard for pediatric healthcare in the region.
Hospital Leadership
