SHIELD x Le Bonheur Children's Hospital
Here at SHIELD, we build spaces that matter, so when Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital chose us to work on their largest expansion since 2010, we knew the project was special. The four-story, $95.4 million expansion isn’t just about increasing capacity; it’s about giving children the best possible care in a space designed to help them heal. With the demand for specialized pediatric care rising at an unprecedented rate, Le Bonheur knew it needed to grow, and fast.
“Access to emergency and critical pediatric care has become increasingly limited,” said Kristen Sparagna, MD. “Though children account for roughly a quarter of all emergency department (ED) visits in the U.S., 85% of children are seen in non-pediatric EDs.”
That’s where we came in with 31 custom canopy headwalls designed for their Cardiovascular Intensive Care Unit (CVICU). These aren’t your everyday headwalls. They’re built to deliver top of the line functionality while providing spaces with a calming and comforting feel. When it comes to healthcare design, the small details make all the difference, and we’re making the change.
None of this would have been possible without the design expertise from Gresham Smith and Turner Construction. Their vision for the CVICU and NICU expansions brought together the clinical needs of a cutting-edge medical facility with the emotional needs of kids and families who come through the door.
Why Expand?
Le Bonheur’s heart institute has recently been booming. By adding 24 cardiologists in the last five years, the hospital has been able to expand their reach of cardiovascular care. The expansion isn’t just a facelift - it’s about adding space to meet the growing needs of specialized care.
The plan? Add 14 NICU beds, expand the Cardiovascular Unit and add a step-down unit for kids who are on their way to recovery. They’re also throwing in a new cardiac catheterization lab and expanding their surgery recovery space with more PACU bays. With all of these upgrades, Le Bonheur is poised to become the next-level destination for pediatric cardiac care.
So what’s our role in all of this? Our canopy headwalls act as a backbone for each of the patient rooms in the cardiovascular unit. Fitted with custom constellation panels that give the kids a calming, starry view - the panels help to reduce stress and anxiety, making your hospital stay feel a little less uncomfortable.
We know that the littlest details can make a difference. A child lying in bed, hooked up to machines can feel very easily overwhelmed, but by looking up and seeing the soft glow of stars, a stressful situation can become something even a bit more peaceful.
Here’s a few other details that sets our canopy headwalls apart;
- Seamless Integration: Connections for medical equipment are built directly into our headwalls, providing easy access to tools needed while keeping the room free of clutter.
- Durable Build: Constructed with solid surface to withstand daily wear and tear while ensuring longevity and minimal maintenance.
- Modular Design: Diminishes installation time and allows for less debris
- Space Efficiency: Designed to maximize a room’s layout, providing optimal functionality while maintaining a soothing, organized environment.
When we design for healthcare, we’re thinking long term. Our canopy headwalls are built to serve the needs of today and are also prepared for the challenges of tomorrow. The modular design allows for easy upgrades, which means the hospital won’t need a full remodel every time they adopt new tech - it’s all about flexibility and future proofing.
But it’s not just about the future; it’s about making the daily workflow smoother and more efficient for Le Bonheur’s healthcare teams. Every connection point, every feature has been strategically placed to ensure that providers can focus on what they do best without having to fight against the space they are working in. It’s designed to give them everything they need, exactly where they need it.
Le Bonheur’s expansion is a response to a growing need for specialized pediatric care, and we’re honored to have played a role in it. Our custom canopy headwalls are just one part of a larger project designed to support healing and comfort for every child and family who walks through their doors. If you’re ready to see how SHIELD can bring your next project to life, let’s talk.