In 2016, Childrens Hospital began the development of a four-floor expansion project, with each floor adding 40,000 square feet. Once complete, the expansion will bring the hospitals total footprint to more than 1 million square feet.
On June 18, 2019, patients were moved into the 40,000-square-foot Pediatric Heart Institute on the 10th floor. The institute comprises a 38-bed unit that creates a dedicated space for cardiac care, bringing together all cardiology-related specialties onto one floor.
The expansion also incorporates the relocation of a helipad, which allows air medical service providers to bring about 40 patients to Childrens Hospital per month. This relocation was made possible by the Christy-Houston Foundation with generous support from Mr. and Mrs. Robert Oliver Rolfe.
In March 2020, Childrens Hospital opened the new Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) on the 11th floor. Our pioneering Level IV-designated NICU is now one of the largest, with the total licensed bed count reaching 106. The expansion allows for 10 additional NICU beds, which is imperative to keeping up with Nashvilles growing population and for accommodating referrals from regional providers. The new units provide a family-centered care approach, allowing parents and infants to room together during hospitalization.
Children's Hospital is named in honor of community leader and philanthropist Monroe Carell Jr. (1932-2008). Monroe was a businessman, founder of Central Parking Corp. and philanthropist with deep ties to Nashville.
Monroe earned a degree in electrical engineering at Vanderbilt in 1959. The School of Engineering named him a Distinguished Alumnus in 2001. He served as a Vanderbilt trustee and was an honorary lifetime member of Children's Hospital's board. Mr. Carell was an involved trustee who often attended hospital events.
Monroe and his wife, Ann Scott Carell (1935-2012), were philanthropic leaders at Vanderbilt for many years. They funded the Ann and Monroe Carell Jr. Chair of Pediatric Cardiology and several full-tuition scholarships at the University. Monroe also served as chair of Vanderbilt's Shape the Future Campaign and the Children's Hospital Capital Campaign.
Through Carells generous gifts, Childrens Hospital was built in 2004, and was expanded in 2012 and 2020. His dream for a standalone Children's Hospital was born from his compassion for patients, tireless support for doctors and staff and generous financial gifts.
'The reality of this hospital is the answer to something that I have wanted and yearned for, for many years. It comes from the early days as a child when I had to go to the hospital so many times for so many years,' Monroe said in an interview in the spring of 2008. 'While I received wonderful treatment, I always knew that I was one child amongst many adults, and the hospital and all of the doctors looked upon me as something certainly different from the other patients.'
John W. Brock III, M.D., Senior Vice President of Pediatric Surgical Services, Director of Pediatric Urology, Monroe Carell Jr. Chair and Surgeon-in-Chief, described Mr. Carell: 'What impressed me most about Mr. Carell was his incredible passion for this hospital. I have seen this on innumerable occasions in his interactions not only with donors but also parents and children. Those of us who knew him realize we could not have asked for a better benefactor.'
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Rating 5.0 out of 5 based on 3 reviews
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newest oldest highest lowestBrandi Hobby
2 years ago
Dr McKenna is hands down the best oral surgeon I have seen. He is the third one I have been to, and he truly has a heart of gold. He goes above and beyond for his patients and has their overall best interest. I would highly recommend him! We have had the best experiences in his office each and every time we have been. He recently performed a condlyotomy on both of my jaws, and we couldn't be more pleased with the results and extended care he has provided us! We are from Knoxville and make the drive just to see him. He truly is the best! Thank you, Dr McKenna!
Lauren Czajkowski
2 years ago
Dr. McKenna is an incredible doctor, and the first medical professional to take an honest and open approach to my pain and issues. I received more information and answers during one visit with him than I did seeing multiple different specialists. I have not been a surgical patient, but would encourage anyone looking for a maxillofacial/oral surgeon to set up an appointment with him. I can't say enough good things about him. It was amazing to finally be heard and helped.
Brandi Hobby
3 years ago
Dr McKenna is hands down the best oral surgeon I have seen. He is the third one I have been to, and he truly has a heart of gold. He goes above and beyond for his patients and has their overall best interest. I would highly recommend him! We have had the best experiences in his office each and every time we have been. He recently performed a condlyotomy on both of my jaws, and we couldn't be more pleased with the results and extended care he has provided us! We are from Knoxville and make the drive just to see him. He truly is the best! Thank you, Dr McKenna!
Lauren Czajkowski
3 years ago
Dr. McKenna is an incredible doctor, and the first medical professional to take an honest and open approach to my pain and issues. I received more information and answers during one visit with him than I did seeing multiple different specialists. I have not been a surgical patient, but would encourage anyone looking for a maxillofacial/oral surgeon to set up an appointment with him. I can't say enough good things about him. It was amazing to finally be heard and helped.
Rhonda Hurt
3 years ago
If you or a family member is in need of orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery look no further than the highly skilled surgical hands of Dr. Samuel McKenna of Vanderbilt! My husband and I did much research prior to deciding on a surgeon to operate on our college age son and traveling from VA, as we have fine medical care there. Upon meeting Dr.McKenna, we knew we made the correct choice. Not only is Dr. McKenna highly recognized in the professional community but he also is a very caring and compassionate person. Physicians either love me or hate me because I ask a lot of questions and tend to prefer my physicians be somewhat of perfectionists! Lol Let me say, Dr.McKenna took time to explain our sons procedure in great detail and happily answered all our questions. I also in closing will add that I realized he was a perfectionist ( just the way we like our physicians )upon our first consult. To say we are well pleased with our treatment from Dr. McKenna and his wonderful residents and staff would be an understatement . Dr.McKenna thank you from the bottom of this worrier of a Mom's heart!
Rhonda Hurt
4 years ago
If you or a family member is in need of orthognathic (corrective jaw) surgery look no further than the highly skilled surgical hands of Dr. Samuel McKenna of Vanderbilt! My husband and I did much research prior to deciding on a surgeon to operate on our college age son and traveling from VA, as we have fine medical care there. Upon meeting Dr.McKenna, we knew we made the correct choice. Not only is Dr. McKenna highly recognized in the professional community but he also is a very caring and compassionate person. Physicians either love me or hate me because I ask a lot of questions and tend to prefer my physicians be somewhat of perfectionists! Lol Let me say, Dr.McKenna took time to explain our sons procedure in great detail and happily answered all our questions. I also in closing will add that I realized he was a perfectionist ( just the way we like our physicians )upon our first consult. To say we are well pleased with our treatment from Dr. McKenna and his wonderful residents and staff would be an understatement . Dr.McKenna thank you from the bottom of this worrier of a Mom's heart!
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