New MU Health Care Children’s Hospital and Birthing Center Empowers Families in the Fight Against Childhood Illness.

MU Health Care has opened its new Children’s Hospital and Birthing Center in Columbia. The move to the new $230 million hospital is expected to be completed this month. The facility includes 120 beds, all private patient rooms, so that families can be comfortable for as long as they need to be there.

Laura Hesemann, chair of pediatrics and chief medical officer of the hospital, said the new location is about five years in the making. “We were thinking about the future of healthcare for children,” said Hesemann. “We were thinking about efficiencies in health care and what it would look like to consolidate the Children’s Hospital back on the main campus with the rest of the inpatient services of MU Health Care. We were thinking about what it would take to make Children’s Hospital sustainable.”

Hesemann said she’s most proud of the thoughtful design to meet the special healthcare needs of children. “They really need an environment that is designed for them,” she said. “When kids are sick and in the hospital, they need care delivered in a little bit different way. It needs to be kid-friendly so that they’re comfortable. And it needs to also have the space and the facilities to include family and loved ones in their health care journey.”

According to Hesemann, the new hospital has more space and natural light with a bright and happy feel. She is also proud that