Memorial Health submitted a letter of intent today to the Georgia Department of Community Health to expand its investment in the Memorial Health Dwaine & Cynthia Willett Children’s Hospital of Savannah from the previously approved $29,938,669 to approximately $60 million.

“We are delighted to have HCA Healthcare’s support to fully realize the original vision of our leadership and community for a dedicated, comprehensive Children’s Hospital at Memorial Health University Medical Center,” said Memorial Health CEO Shayne George. “This increased investment will enable us to bring the envisioned services online in 2020, rather than staggered over time, ensuring that our families have access to an extraordinary care experience completely customized for children.”

The revised investment will enable everything to be configured specifically for children and their families. This will include renovating the existing inpatient rooms, enlarging them to better support family-centered care for children. In addition, this investment will ensure the ORs are fully functional with child-specific equipment with the opening of the Children’s Hospital. It also includes a full complement of beds and equipment specifically designed to care for children.

“Children are not just little adults. They deserve and need a clinical environment specifically designed for them,” said HCA South Atlantic Division President Hugh Tappan. “We admire the passion of the Willetts, Jackie Rabinowitz and all those who had a vision for a dedicated, freestanding Children’s Hospital in Savannah. It is our pleasure and honor to help that dream become fully realized.”