Bringing Pediatric Care to Pasco County
By Chad Griffin
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital has recently made a significant move by expanding its reach into Pasco County. The hospital’s decision to develop a new facility in the area reflects its commitment to enhancing healthcare services for the growing population in the region. The expansion is poised to bring about transformative changes to the local healthcare landscape and is a testament to the hospital’s dedication to providing accessible pediatric care to the community.
Expansive Plans
The expansion project encompasses the purchase of 114 acres of land in Pasco County for $24 million, with plans to construct a new facility solely focused on pediatric care. The site, strategically located off Interstate 75 at Overpass Road in Wesley Chapel, is near a recently completed interchange and is situated in one of the fastest-growing sections of the county. The overall development, known as the Wildcat Bailes project, spans 176 acres and includes 365,000 square feet of hospital space, along with multifamily residences, retail, office space, medical office space and hotel rooms. The hospital’s presence in this area is expected to address the growing need for pediatric specialty care and provide easier access to healthcare services for families in the four-county area it serves.
Making an Impact on the Community
The decision to expand into Pasco County was driven by the hospital’s recognition of the area’s population growth, with the county’s population having increased by 20.9% from 2010 to 2020. This growth has created a greater demand for pediatric services, prompting Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital to establish a new facility to cater to the evolving healthcare needs of the community. With more than 90% of families in the surrounding area currently traveling outside of the service area for pediatric specialty care, the new facility aims to fill this gap and accommodate the anticipated significant population growth over the next decade. The hospital’s expansion aligns with its goal of providing comprehensive and convenient healthcare services “close to home” for the residents of Pasco County and the broader region.
Advancements and Future Plans
While specific details about the new facility are still in the works, the hospital is actively engaging with the public and local pediatricians to determine the most suitable services for the site. The first phase of construction is expected to commence later this year, with the full facility scheduled to open in 2028. As the hospital continues to collaborate with the community and healthcare professionals, it remains committed to tailoring its services to meet the unique needs of the population it serves. The expansion into Pasco County underscores the hospital’s dedication to advancing pediatric care and ensuring that its services evolve in tandem with the dynamic healthcare landscape of the region.
Another Big Name in Pasco County Healthcare
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital’s expansion in Pasco County is part of a broader trend of medical facilities and healthcare organizations recognizing the area’s potential for growth and development. The hospital’s move aligns with the growing presence of medical facilities in the county, including the BayCare Hospital Wesley Chapel and Florida Cancer Specialists’ clinic. The elimination of certificate of need requirements for new hospitals has created a more market-focused healthcare industry, enabling hospitals to identify and respond to areas with a burgeoning demand for healthcare services. Moreover, the hospital’s proactive engagement with the Pasco Economic Development Council reflects its commitment to not only expanding its services but also contributing to the overall growth and development of the county’s healthcare sector. This expansion also signifies Pasco County’s emergence as a hub for medical advancements and investments, with the Moffitt Cancer Center’s 775-acre campus and the Speros FL project further reinforcing the county’s potential as a thriving healthcare and life sciences epicenter.
Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital’s expansion into Pasco County represents a significant milestone in the hospital’s mission to provide high-quality pediatric care and address the evolving healthcare needs of the community. The new facility, set to open in 2028, is poised to play a pivotal role in catering to the region’s growing population and fostering a comprehensive and accessible healthcare environment. Through strategic expansions and collaborative efforts, the hospital is contributing to the county’s emergence as a prominent healthcare and life sciences destination, thereby setting the stage for a brighter and healthier future for Pasco County and its residents.
