RICHMOND, Va. (WTVR) – Richmond could soon get a free-standing children’s hospital. Virginia Commonwealth University Health System has come up with a plan to build one and has asked VCU Health System Authority to consider the plan.
“It is important to move forward with a vision for a hospital dedicated to children that will forever strengthen VCU’s commitment to pediatric education and research and address the overall health of children in the region and the state,” VCU president Michael Rao said in a statement. “In addition, leadership has listened to parents, pediatric physicians and others who feel it is important to build a free-standing hospital wholly dedicated to children.”
VCU noted there are “many details yet to be determined” as it planned to work with area doctors and community leaders about the best way to proceed. The statement did indicate the new hospital would be part of the VCU Medical Center.
“Since joining together with Children’s Hospital on Brook Road in 2010 to form Children’s Hospital of Richmond at VCU, we have been moving toward the vision by investing in high caliber pediatric specialists and staff, developing multidisciplinary, coordinated programs and services, and designing facilities to support children’s health,” VCU Health System CEO Dr. Sheldon Retchin said in a statement.
VCU Health System and community donations would help fund the hospital.
A series of community meetings will be held to discuss and review the plans. A location of the free-standing children’s hospital has not yet been determined.
Developing.
