Children’s of Alabama announced that the Quarterbacking Children’s Health Foundation committed $3 million to help relocate and expand the hospital’s pediatric intensive care unit (PICU).
Construction began in 2024 on the project, which involves building out the Benjamin Russell hospital building’s 12th floor—previously a shelled space—to serve as a 50-bed unit that will have the flexibility to meet the needs of both critical care patients and lower acuity patients. In recognition of the foundation’s gift, the unit will be named the Quarterbacking Children’s Health Pediatric Intensive Care Unit. As part of this project, Children’s also will be able to update intensive care rooms and bring in the latest technology designed to care for patients on the unit. Construction is expected to be completed in 2026.
Children’s of Alabama opened a new pediatric practice, Pediatrics West Hueytown, in July. The practice houses five full-time, board-certified pediatricians. It is open six days a week and provides Saturday access by appointment for Pediatrics West McAdory and Hueytown patients. Patients can access onsite laboratory, sick and well visits, medication management and immunization administration, among other services.
“We are thrilled to be able to provide excellent pediatric primary care in Hueytown and in this part of the state,” said Sandy Thurmond, vice president of Primary Care Services at Children’s. “The opening of this beautiful new facility will give families an excellent and convenient option for their children’s healthcare. We are honored to be a part of Hueytown’s legacy of growth.”
Researchers at the University of Alabama at Birmingham are using extended reality to help improve the mental and physical health of children with disabilities. Byron Lai, Ph.D., an assistant professor in the UAB Division of Pediatric Rehabilitation Medicine, and the division research team of Ashley Wright, Raven Young and Bailey Hutchinson, combine behavioral change theories, telemedicine and extended reality in their recent research as they work to improve the physical and mental health of children with disabilities.
To learn more about what the team is doing, click here.