Ochsner Children’s Hospital has been recognized as the top pediatric hospital in Louisiana for four consecutive years, as outlined by U.S. News & World Report. Serving over 100,000 children annually, the nonprofit healthcare provider is poised to enhance its services further with the construction of a new facility. The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital, a significant investment of over 0 million, will span 343,000 square feet and consolidate a wide array of pediatric services under one roof.
This innovative hospital is set to include a dedicated emergency department tailored exclusively for children, expanding from eight to twenty-six pediatric exam rooms. Additionally, the facility will feature a Level IV surgical neonatal Intensive Care Unit (ICU), a pediatric critical care unit with 40 ICU rooms, and specialized areas including two cardiac catheterization labs. From current plans, the number of medical/surgical beds will increase by five to a total of 52. Such enhancements aim to streamline pediatric care across more than 30 specialties and subspecialties.
Scheduled to open in late 2027, The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital represents a critical step in responding to the growing demand for pediatric care in the region. Dr. Vincent “Butch” Adolph, Chief Medical Officer, emphasized the vision behind the facility, stating, “Our programs and needs have outgrown our space.” The new hospital is designed to offer a comprehensive environment that reflects the high-quality care provided by Ochsner’s medical team, while also being equipped with state-of-the-art technology and child-friendly facilities.
The philanthropic support from the Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation underlines the community’s commitment to improving healthcare access in Louisiana. As Ochsner Health CEO Pete November articulated, this generosity will “significantly impact the lives of countless families” within the Gulf South, enabling the hospital to attract top medical talent while enhancing its ability to care for more children.
The construction site, located adjacent to Ochsner Medical Center, will allow for seamless integration of patient care services, leveraging shared resources. Emily Arata, System VP of Community Affairs at Ochsner Health, noted the extensive community engagement that has preceded the project’s launch, indicating local support for the initiative.
As operations kick off, the project team, led by Jay Britsch and including contractors and design firms, will prioritize coordination with existing facilities to minimize disruptions. Anticipated challenges include maintaining emergency services during construction. To enhance the hospital experience, each floor will feature themes based on local wildlife, alongside wayfinding systems designed to facilitate navigation, complemented by engaging decor and inviting shared spaces for families and caregivers.
In summary, the development of The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital aligns with Ochsner Health’s mission to provide exemplary pediatric care while fostering an environment that supports the emotional and psychological well-being of children and families alike. This new facility is expected to not only advance the standard of care in Louisiana but also set a precedent for comprehensive pediatric healthcare in the region.
