Ochsner Health recently broke ground on The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital. Joined by Gayle Benson, Ochsner Health leaders, and local and state government officials, this afternoon’s groundbreaking ceremony marks a historic step forward in making this innovative new home for the hospital for kids a reality. Ochsner and Benson also unveiled a new partnership with Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana, aimed at fulfilling the wishes of many children.
“We are deeply honored to be joined by our partner and friend, Mrs. Gayle Benson, to celebrate this momentous occasion,” said Pete November, chief executive officer, Ochsner Health. “Our shared vision for enhancing pediatric healthcare has been underway for years, and today we move closer to opening the doors of a state-of-the-art facility that will allow our team of experts to continue to provide comprehensive healthcare to even more children. We remain grateful for Mrs. Benson’s tremendous generosity and her leadership in our community, and together we will deliver the highest quality care to children for generations to come.”
Ochsner announced plans for The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital in December 2023 after a transformative gift from The Gayle and Tom Benson Charitable Foundation. Slated for completion in early 2028, the five story, 343,000 square foot, pediatric and family-centered facility will be constructed on the campus of Ochsner Medical Center - New Orleans. The significant investment of $300 million marks the largest single construction project in Ochsner history. The impact of this project is estimated to create approximately 400 permanent jobs and 200 construction jobs. The facility will include a larger, easily accessible pediatric emergency department, with significant enhancements to critical care, operating rooms, and imaging capacity, and a Level IV Surgical Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) enabling highly specialized care for babies who need surgery.
“I am truly humbled to see this vision come to life—a place where every child receives the care, love, and hope they deserve,” said Benson. “Tom and I have always believed in the power of giving back to our community, and there is no greater cause than supporting the health and happiness of our children. The Gayle and Tom Benson Ochsner Children’s Hospital will serve as a world-class center of excellence—offering the highest standard of pediatric care and drawing families from across the country to receive the expertise and compassion from distinguished medical professionals.”
Ochsner and Benson announced a partnership with Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana to bring hope and joy to children facing critical illnesses. Over the next two years, this collaboration will fund 28 wishes, offering life-changing experiences that spark strength and positivity. Currently, more than 280 Louisiana children are waiting for their wishes to be granted, and with this partnership, Ochsner and Mrs. Benson aim to make a tangible difference in their lives by improving not just health outcomes but also the emotional well-being of Ochsner Children’s Hospital patients.
“This partnership represents a great commitment to our mission of bringing hope, strength and joy to children battling critical illnesses,” said Shelly Millwee, president and CEO, Make-A-Wish Texas Gulf Coast and Louisiana. “Together, we have the ability to transform lives, delivering one-of-a-kind wish experiences to children and their families when they need it most to help in their medical journey.”