Hutchinson Regional Medical Center Reopens Pediatric Unit Amid Nationwide Closures
Becker's Hospital Review
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Contributed by: Kate Gamble
Summary
The closure of over 500 pediatric units in the U.S. from 2008 to 2022 raised concerns about pediatric care access, but Hutchinson Regional Medical Center in Kansas has reopened its pediatric unit, which closed in December 2022. Driven by local pediatricians' advocacy and increased demand for pediatric care due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the 14-bed unit reopened on January 6, 2025, with support from Children's Hospital Colorado and Wesley Children's Hospital. Chief Nursing Officer Jill White noted staffing challenges during the pandemic, but hospital leadership expressed pride in the effort required to bring the unit back into operation.
