Celebrating Growth and Care: Turner Construction Company Completes Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital Ex

On a vibrant Memphis day, accompanied by the tunes of the Stax Music Academy Band and the warmth of community spirit, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital unveiled its latest milestone — a $95 million expansion project. Turner Construction Company was at the helm of this transformative endeavor and celebrated alongside hundreds of guests on May 8, marking a significant chapter in the hospital's legacy of compassion and healing.

"The Le Bonheur heart, shining atop the hospital, can be seen for miles around," remarked Michael Ugwueke, president and CEO of Methodist Le Bonheur Healthcare.

Led by Turner, the 128,000-sq. ft. expansion took nearly three years, culminating in the hospital's largest project since its inception in 2010. Dr. Trey Eubanks, Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital’s President and CEO, underscored the expansion's necessity, driven by the institution's remarkable growth over the past decade.

With a focus on bolstering critical care and accommodating a increased number of patients, the expansion added four floors to the west side of the hospital. Among its key features are a new cardiovascular intensive care unit, additional beds for the neonatal intensive care unit, and enhanced facilities for post-anesthesia care.

Dr. Eubanks emphasized the expansion's significance in providing advanced, cutting-edge care for children, ensuring that Le Bonheur remains at the forefront of pediatric medicine. This sentiment was echoed by the inclusion of a dedicated 31-bed cardiovascular unit, addressing the increasing demand for specialized cardiac care.

A pivotal component of the project is the new neonatal intensive care unit, boasting 70 beds and catering to the region's tiniest patients with the most intricate health needs. Ugwueke highlighted its status as one of only three Level IV NICUs in Tennessee, reaffirming Le Bonheur's commitment to excellence in pediatric healthcare.

The grand opening celebration welcomed healthcare workers from partner institutions, symbolizing a collaborative approach to serving the community. Memphis Mayor Paul Young, accompanied by his wife Dr. Jamila Smith-Young, expressed pride in the hospital's growth and its enduring impact on the city.

As Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital embarks on this new chapter of expansion and innovation, it pays homage to its rich history of service. In essence, Turner’s completion of the Le Bonheur Children’s Hospital expansion is a testament to the power of collective effort in nurturing hope, healing, and happiness for children and families in Memphis and beyond.