Children’s Healthcare moves into Arthur M. Blank Hospital in Brookhaven

Caption

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta CEO Donna Highland welcomes new patients.

Credit: Courtesy of Children’s Healthcare

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta closed Egleston Hospital on Sunday, Sept. 29, using 65 ambulances to move 202 patients into the brand-new Arthur M. Blank Hospital on North Druid Hills Road. 

The move began at 7:30 a.m. and lasted for 12 hours, as anticipated.

Brithany Morales, 8, was the first patient to leave Egleston Hospital and be transported to Arthur M. Blank Hospital. 

Caption

Eight-year-old Brithany Morales is the first patient to arrive at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Arthur M. Blank Hospital on Sunday, Sept. 29.

Credit: Courtesy of Children’s Healthcare

The 19-story, 2-million-square-foot facility with 446 beds expands Children’s Healthcare ability to provide advanced pediatric care to children across Georgia and the Southeast.

The transport of patients relied on coordination with more than 15 state and local agencies, including Georgia State Patrol and the following four police departments that helped along the move route: Brookhaven Police, DeKalb County Police, Emory Police and Sandy Springs Police. Religious organizations along the move route held virtual services throughout the weekend to help ensure the safe transport of all patients.

Caption

Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Chief Nurse Linda Cole welcomes patients to Arthur M. Blank Hospital.

Credit: Courtesy of Children’s Healthcare

Approximately 1,000 support staff volunteers were on-site at the hospitals to assist with patient family needs. 

Caption

Staff and volunteers cheer on patients as they arrive at Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta Arthur M. Blank Hospital.

Credit: Courtesy of Children’s Healthcare

This story comes to GPB through a reporting partnership with Rough Draft Atlanta.