On May 31, 2022, Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta (CHOA) held the topping out ceremony for the Arthur M. Blank Hospital, the highest construction point, has been completed. Over 1500 construction workers were praised for their contributions, and in the next coming months, construction will start on the interior of the hospital. A plan more than five years in the making, the North Druid Hills Campus is the biggest healthcare project in Georgia’s history. “This new campus is designed to serve our community’s needs now and for generations to come,” said Jonathan Goldman, Chairman of the Board of CHOA.
When completed, the campus will span 70 acres of land and include the Arthur M. Blank Hospital, the Center for Advanced Pediatrics, the Outpatient Clinic and 20 acres of green space. The new hospital will have 116 more patient beds than the Egleston location, with larger, private rooms for each patient. As it currently stands, the hospital is on track to open in 2025. On Jul. 24, 2018, the Center for Advanced Pediatrics was opened. The 260,000 square foot facility is an eight-floor building with more than 250 rooms in total.
With over 450 employees across 20 pediatric specialties, this innovative center offers top-notch healthcare for children across Georgia. “The opening of the Center for Advanced Pediatrics marks a key milestone in our North Druid Hills campus journey,” said Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta CEO Donna Hyland. “We’re creating a transformative pediatric destination to provide quality care for future generations to come.”
With the Never Settle Campaign launched last April 20, 2022, the ambitious plan is coming closer to fruition. The campaign will last 5 years and seeks to provide the best healthcare for generations of children. However, the campaign seeks a hefty cost of $3.4 billion. In 2019, the North Druid Hills I-85 interchange was redesigned for quicker access to the hospital.
Now, the exit leads directly to the hospital. The campus will have a MARTA bus with a potential shuttle directly to and from the station.
One of the main selling points of the hospital is its emphasis on nature. In fact, more than 75% of patient rooms in the hospital will have a garden view. “Research indicates that patients who enjoy natural light and outdoor views heal faster, require less pain medication and have shorter stays,” said former director of healthcare at HKS Bob Farrow.
However, when the Arthur M. Blank hospital finally opens, the beloved Egleston hospital will no longer be in service. Currently, it is unknown what will happen to the hospital.