Navicent Health President and CEO Dr. Ninfa M. Saunders announced the health system’s desire to construct a new Children’s Hospital facility within the next three years.
 
Children’s Hospital, Navicent Health is a nonprofit healthcare organization committed to enhancing the lives of children through excellence in patient care, research and education. Since 1987, CHNH – the only dedicated pediatric facility in central Georgia and one of the most comprehensive in the state – has provided care in general pediatrics, pediatric critical care, neonatal intensive care and outpatient services. The hospital also serves as the primary teaching site for the Department of Pediatrics at the Mercer University School of Medicine.
 
Due to a growing demand for additional service options, CHNH has outgrown its current facility, constructed in 1962 as a facility designed for adult healthcare. Navicent Health’s vision is to construct a new facility in order to expand services in a hospital designed to meet the specific needs of ill and injured children in the region.
 
“For nearly 30 years, Children’s Hospital, Navicent Health has been a source of care and comfort for ill and injured children from across the central and southern part of our state. As a regional referral hospital, we average 45,000 visits annually. Many of these children are experiencing severe and complex health conditions. In addition, we also provide preventative and primary care to ensure that the region’s children grow up healthy and strong. The time has come to expand our capabilities to care for these children through a new, state-of-the-art, child-friendly acute care facility. Our vision is a matter of mission for Georgia’s children,” said Dr. Saunders.
 
At this time, a location and design for the new facility have not been determined. However, Navicent Health’s goal is to design and construct a larger facility designed specifically for children and their families and equipped with latest in state-of-the-art technology.
 
“Children are not small adults – their health needs are different and are constantly changing. With a proven track record of providing excellent care, we are faced with the need to replace the current Children’s Hospital, Navicent Health facility. We are committed to comprehensive, excellent care delivered by highly trained, board-certified pediatric physicians and clinical staff. We look forward to providing care in a new, world-class facility,” said Dr. Josh Glenn, Medical Director of Pediatric Surgery for CHNH and CHNH Physician Champion.
 
Navicent Health Seeking Philanthropic Support:

In order to make this plan a reality, Navicent Health is seeking philanthropic support.
 
“Children’s Hospital, Navicent Health has always relied on philanthropic support, and we are grateful to our donors for their commitment to Georgia’s most fragile children. Each gift made to the Children’s Hospital campaign will be an investment not only in the children of today but for the generations to come. Whether it is a premature infant born at less than one pound or a teenager recovering from an automobile accident, donors make a significant difference in the lives of our precious children. As we embark on this new endeavor, we invite our community to become a part of the growing legacy for children who depend on the specialized care provided by Children’s Hospital, Navicent Health,” said Ellen Terrell, Chief Development Officer of Navicent Health Foundation.