Kalispell Regional names new pediatric facility

The $40 million pediatric facility currently under construction at Kalispell Regional Healthcare has been named the Montana Children’s Medical Center. The hospital made the announcement Wednesday and decided on the moniker to emphasize the program’s statewide scope.

“We envision this facility to be the hub of pediatric care for children across our state, which is why we chose to call it Montana Children’s Medical Center,” interim CEO Curtis Lund said in a press release.

The 190,000-square-foot facility, located on the east side of the campus is part of the hospital’s push to keep Montana patients in state, rather than traveling to dedicated children’s facilities in Seattle, Salt Lake City or Denver. Kalispell Regional Healthcare began developing a full line of pediatric intensive-care services in 2015, but those physicians currently operate out of the main hospital which caters primarily to adults. The Montana Children’s Medical Center will be designed with children in mind by incorporating colorful interior design, plentiful window light and rooms that are easily adaptable to minimize disruption as the child’s care needs change.

The Montana Children’s Medical Center will house Kalispell Regional’s 30-plus pediatric providers on the second floor, giving them easy access to one another and the 18-bed pediatric unit and 12-bed neonatal intensive care unit below. Hospital pediatric service line manager Marcy Wasiluk said the facility will also incorporate features such as washers and dryers and an outdoor play area to help families feel at home during their loved one’s stay.

Montana Children’s Medical Center is scheduled for completion by the spring of 2019.

Reporter Mackenzie Reiss may be reached at 758-4433 or mreiss@dailyinterlake.com.