Wellstar, Children’s Hospital of Georgia Expansion

The expansion of Wellstar Children’s Hospital of Georgia (which is affiliated with Augusta University’s Medical College of Georgia) enhances its services and facilities to better serve young patients and their families. The 100,000 square foot addition brings several key improvements, including:

• NICU Expansion
  An increase from 40 open bay beds to 66 private rooms to allow for more personalized care for newborns.
• Cancer and Oncology Center
  A dedicated space with 10 bone marrow transplant beds and 10 hemoc beds to ensure their pediatric cancer patients receive tailored treatment in a conducive environment.
• Pediatric Intensive Care Unit
  Relocating the ICU to the third floor, closer to the surgery suite, to streamline the care process. The pediatric ICU was also expanded to include a 10-bed pediatric cardiac intensive care unit.
• Surgery Suite Expansion
  Two new operating rooms with pre, post, and PACU rooms to accommodate the growing demand for surgical procedures.

In addition to these clinical enhancements, the Children’s Hospital of Georgia expansion improves the overall experience for families. New amenities for patients and their families include a food court, outdoor dining, and a child life space.

Blending the additions into the existing structure with similar materials and implementing a large curve for the bed tower maximizes natural light on the patient floors. A new entrance includes playful sculptural elements that support the cantilevered floor above and a fountain with a sculpture from the original hospital.

To keep the hospital operational during the construction period, the design team planned the expansion in multiple phases. This initial study for Augusta University concluded in 2019, and the project is currently undergoing a newer study with the guidance of Wellstar.

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