First phase of construction begins on Niswonger Children’s Hospital expansion

System Updates
From left, Alan Levine, J.D. Nicewonder, Lisa Carter and Scott Niswonger led a “Raise the Roof” event on Monday, June 13, to begin the next phase of construction.

JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. – The Ballad Health Niswonger Children’s Network has started to “Raise the Roof” on Niswonger Children’s Hospital, kicking off the first phase of a construction project that will enhance services for children and families across the Appalachian Highlands.

“Ballad Health made a promise to invest in our region’s children – our region’s future – through the creation of the Niswonger Children’s Network,” said Ballad Health Chairman and Chief Executive Officer Alan Levine. “Already, the services this network is providing are changing lives.

“With this expansion, we’re adding new services and capacity, with a goal of improving health outcomes and well-being for children and families. Furthermore, this investment in our children’s hospital demonstrates that our region is the right place for families and businesses to thrive.”

What’s being constructed

  • The first phase of construction consists of the conversion of an attached medical office building to a new institute – the J.D. Nicewonder Family Perinatal and Pediatric Institute. Similar to the establishment of the Ballad Health CVA Heart Institute – which integrates world-class cardiology clinical services, research and training – the newly-established J.D. Nicewonder Family Perinatal and Pediatric Institute will create a regionwide opportunity to serve children with complex medical needs through more coordinated care between multiple specialists, while also creating a clearinghouse for public educational service and participation in research and training. 
  • Following the initial phase of construction, the next renovation phase will create a new, two-floor vertical expansion, stacked atop the existing hospital. The additional floors will house another element of the J.D. Nicewonder Family Perinatal and Pediatric Institute: a state-of-the-art neonatal intensive care unit.
  • With that renovation, Niswonger Children’s Hospital will host the newest NICU in both Tennessee and Virginia. With a family-friendly approach, the new NICU will offer private spaces for parents and siblings and give parents the ability to stay continuously with their babies.

To read the full announcement with more details about the project, click here.

Team members, leaders and benefactors celebrated the start of the next phase of construction to make Niswonger Children’s Hospital even bigger and better.