Inspiring Hope.
Innovating Health.
The region’s only health care system exclusively for children
In 2015, in honor of the generous support of the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation, Miami Children’s flagship hospital, along with its network of outpatient centers, was renamed Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. In 2017, Miami Children’s Health System was renamed Nicklaus Children’s Health System, including Nicklaus Children’s Hospital Foundation. Together, we share a mission to inspire hope and promote lifelong health by providing the best care to all children.
Since 1950, Nicklaus Children’s Hospital has touched the lives of countless children and families and supported them throughout their health care journey. Ranked nationally, it is the region’s only health care system exclusively for children. The hospital internationally renowned pediatric subspecialists also attract more than 3,500 patients a year, both locally and globally, who seek expert care.
Hospital Highlights
Fetal Care Center Grand Opening
In May, we celebrated the grand opening of the Fetal Care Center at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. The center includes a Special Delivery Unit, which is a 10-bed maternity unit for healthy mothers whose infants will need immediate access to pediatric surgical and critical care.
The Fetal Care Center at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital is devoted to the care of fetal patients with medical needs requiring intervention at birth. The Nicklaus Children’s team understands the concerns of families anticipating an infant with a complex diagnosis. Their network of pediatric subspecialists collaborates with prenatal care providers in the community – and beyond – to provide families comprehensive, coordinated care and support, from prenatal testing to delivery, postnatal care, and the transition to infant care.
Unveiling of the Healing Garden
In February, we had the honor and privilege of welcoming The First Lady of the United States, Melanie Trump, to Nicklaus Children’s Hospital to help celebrate the naming of The Morton & Linda Bouchard Healing Garden, and the Esrick Dream Foundation Cardiac Intensive Care Floor. Commencing with a butterfly release led by former Nicklaus Children’s Hospital patient, Teegan Lexcen, and her twin sister Riley, the day could not have been more beautiful.
The Morton & Linda Bouchard Healing Garden is a space that promotes health and healing at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital. The garden, which is located in an outdoor courtyard within the hospital’s Advanced Pediatric Care Pavilion, provides hospitalized patients and families a quiet space for meditation and respite. Its colorful botanicals, topiaries, and dynamic video wall featuring calming outdoor scenes, combined with the fresh air, enable patients and families to step out of the medical setting into a comfortable zone that complements the recovery process. The Healing Garden is made possible through the generosity of Morton and Linda Bouchard, as well as Jack and Barbara Nicklaus of the Nicklaus Children’s Health Care Foundation.
Cardiac Patient Reunion
While celebrating the naming of the Esrick Dream Foundation Cardiac Intensive Care Floor, more than 300 children and their families reunited with the doctors and nurses who cares for them at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s Heart Program patient and family reunion.
This annual event, held during heart month, celebrates the lives of children who have undergone cardiac surgery and interventional catheterizations at Nicklaus Children’s. It was a privilege to honor the Esrick Dream Foundation, and the Esrick family, whose generosity will help advance the care environment for patients in the cardiac intensive care unit.
Patient Spotlight
Teegan’s Miracle
Teegan was born with one lung, half a heart, and zero chance of survival.
Using innovative techniques (and no small amount of determination), surgeons from the Nicklaus Children’s Hospital’s world-class heart program rebuilt Teegan’s aorta, connected her pulmonary artery to the aorta, and connected her heart to her right lung. This “inoperable” girl is now flourishing!
Watch the video for more information on Teegan’s miracle!
“There are not enough words to express our gratitude to Jack and Barbara, and the ‘angel’ doctors at Nicklaus Children’s for giving our Teegan a second chance at life.”
– Cassidy, Teegan’s Mom