ORLANDO, Fla. – After years of planning, Orlando Health has opened its new children’s pavilion, a facility leaders say will make it easier for families to manage follow-up care after a child leaves the hospital.
News 6’s Amy Russo toured the pavilion, which Orlando Health says will bring 19 pediatric clinics under one roof.
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Katie Murillo said her son, Myles, was born premature at Arnold Palmer Hospital and spent 54 days in the hospital. When he came home, she said, the family faced a long list of follow-up appointments.
“Our son Myles was born premature at Arnold Palmer — he was 1 pound, 13 ounces. He spent 54 days in the hospital… and when he came home, he came home with a list of doctors — up to 20 specialists at one time,” Murillo said.
For families like hers, the challenge was not only the medical worry, but also the logistics — scheduling and traveling from one appointment to the next across downtown Orlando.
Justin Williams, president of Orlando Health Children’s Arnold Palmer Hospital, said the new pavilion is designed to reduce that burden.
“The burden of coordinating care has fallen on our families for far too long… bringing everyone together allows us to own that burden and streamline things,” Williams said.
Inside, the pavilion is designed with kid-friendly features, including Florida wildlife-themed floors, more than 200 exam rooms, triage areas and a teaching kitchen focused on helping families build healthier routines at home, Orlando Health said.
Outside, leaders highlighted an 800-space parking garage with valet service, located steps from the entrance.
“You mention convenience… it’s beyond convenience — these things are a necessity,” said Zach Kallenbach, president of the Orlando Health Children’s Foundation.
Orlando Health expects more than 175,000 children to be seen at the children’s pavilion in the next year, including families like Myles’.
“Orlando Health Children’s Pavilion means families like ours won’t have to choose between a paycheck and a doctor’s appointment,” Alan Murillo said.