Grand opening of Dell Children's Medical Center North brings first pediatric hospital to Williamson County

Hundreds of community members gathered in the parking lot of the new Dell Children's Medical Center North facility April 12 to celebrate its grand opening as the first pediatric hospital in Williamson County.

What happened: Led by former KXAN anchor Robert Hadlock as master of ceremony, several state and local leaders, as well as leadership from Ascension Texas and the hospital itself, delivered remarks ahead of the health care system's tradition of blessing the doors of the hospital.

The overview: Community members celebrated the completion of the hospital, standing four stories tall with over 187,000 square feet of space dedicated to medical care for children, that broke ground in May 2021. Located at 9010 N. Lake Creek Parkway, Austin, the medical center is the only hospital dedicated to the care of children in the county, Williamson County Judge Bill Gravell said.

The 36-bed hospital will offer emergency and trauma services, and seek level 3 trauma status once it opens April 27, said Dr. Melissa Cossey, associate chief medical director of the Dell Children's Medical Center North campus. It also has two operating rooms; endoscopy and procedure rooms; sleep labs; and shelled space for future growth.

Notably, the facility also houses a Ronald McDonald suite on its third floor for parents whose children are receiving care. Space left for future growth can accommodate up to 36 additional beds, on top of the existing 36 beds, hospital officials said.

Quote of note: "Every day at the Capitol I work on and push legislation that increases access to health care for all Texans, because I believe everyone is entitled to having their health care needs met," said state Rep. John Bucy III, D-Austin. "Now here in Williamson County, with this new facility, everyone here—regardless of income or background—every parent knows in the middle of the night that their child will not be turned away from this world-class facility."