The model will expand and improve the Primary Children's Hospital care network for Intermountain West, which now serves children in six states.
Intermountain Healthcare has committed $500 million to build "the nation's model health system for children."
"To address the growing need for health issues facing children, we must create a new model of pediatric care that will cater to the unique challenges that we see across our large geographic area," Katy Welkie, RN, MBA, CEO of Primary Children's Hospital and Vice President of Intermountain's Children's Health, said in a media release.
"In building the nation's model health system for children, we are positioning Utah as the home for the nation's healthiest kids," she said.
The plan, financed in part by a $50 million donation from Utah Jazz owner and businesswoman Gail Miller, will invest $500 million to launch, advance, and coordinate pediatric-specific programs around the Salt Lake City-based health system's free-standing Primary Children's Hospital and a network of 160 clinics and 24 hospitals, and pediatric specialty expertise from University of Utah Health.
The model will expand the Primary Children's care network for Intermountain West, which now serves children in Utah, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Nevada, and Alaska.
The model will include: a new 66-bed pediatric hospital in Lehi, Utah; an enlarged and upgraded Level 4 Neonatal ICU; an advanced fetal care center that will offer in-utero treatments' advanced and innovative pediatric cancer therapies; improved access to behavioral and mental health services; improved telehealth and response capabilities; and targeted chronic disease management.
Intermountain Foundation will be tasked with raising the bulk of the money for what the health system called "the largest commitment to the care and health of the region's children since Primary Children's was envisioned in the early 1900s."
"This effort comes at a critical time," Welkie said, "as the number of children served by Intermountain Healthcare continues to rapidly grow, and their needs continue to change and become more complex."
“In building the nation's model health system for children, we are positioning Utah as the home for the nation's healthiest kids.”
Katy Welkie, RN, CEO, Primary Children's Hospital
John Commins is a content specialist and online news editor for HealthLeaders, a Simplify Compliance brand.
Photo credit: Photo Courtesy of Intermountain Healthcare
KEY TAKEAWAYS
The model will include a new 66-bed pediatric hospital in Lehi, Utah, an enlarged and upgraded Level 4 Neonatal ICU; an advanced fetal care center that will offer in-utero treatments' advanced and innovative pediatric cancer therapies.
Enhanced services will include improved access to behavioral and mental health services, improved telehealth and response capabilities; and targeted chronic disease management.