“What makes this hospital different?” That’s a question I often get asked. The MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital stands tall. It enhances Charleston’s skyline. This building is more than just glass and steel. It is a testament to a community’s dedication to its children.
The MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital is a nationally ranked acute care hospital. It provides comprehensive care to infants, children, teens, and young adults. The hospital is affiliated with the Medical University of South Carolina. It features private rooms and many pediatric beds. The hospital sometimes treats adults needing pediatric care.
Let’s step back to when the original MUSC Children’s Hospital opened in 1987. It aimed to better serve South Carolina’s children. Fast forward and planning for a new, larger facility began. Input from patients, families, and medical staff shaped the design of the new building. Construction started in 2016. The new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital opened its doors in 2020.
The MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital has many special features. The hospital includes rooftop and indoor play areas. Balconies allow patients and families to relax. Hallways showcase artwork and bright colors. Most rooms offer views of the Ashley River. A rooftop helipad ensures critical care events can be handled efficiently.
Did you know Shawn Jenkins donated $25 million to the hospital fund? The hospital was named in his honor. Jenkins had no expectation of this honor. He even volunteers and helps with design decisions. His commitment reflects the spirit of the hospital.
The MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital also boasts advanced medical programs. Its pediatric cardiology program is nationally ranked. It treats children and adults of all ages. The hospital has the only burn center in South Carolina. The MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital also operates a cystic fibrosis care center. Its neonatal intensive care unit is level IV. It is the highest verification in South Carolina and surrounding states.
Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson donated Xbox consoles to the MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital in 2020. Bill Gates and Microsoft collaborated. This brought joy to patients during challenging times.
The MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital received the Healthcare Design Showcase Award of Merit. It also received Magnet recognition from the American Nurse Credentialing Center. The U.S. News and World Report consistently ranks it among the best. It is the best children’s hospital in South Carolina.
The MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital embodies hope. It showcases innovation. It stands as a beacon of care for children and families. It is more than a hospital. The MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital represents a community’s heart and soul.