Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital Begins Construction on Pediatric Intermediate Care Unit

To enhance crucial care provided to some of the most vulnerable pediatric patients, Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital will begin construction on the Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital Tony Stewart Intermediate Care Unit. The addition of this pediatric intermediate care unit is made possible in part by a $2.25 million donation from championship-winning racecar driver Tony Stewart.

Over the last five years, the Charlotte region’s pediatric health care needs have grown by more than 54%. In 2023, 660 children received expert and compassionate care in the Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital pediatric intensive care unit (PICU). The creation of this highly specialized unit will expand access to the highest level of care for patients who are no longer critically ill, but still need closer medical observation, continued testing, and additional organ support.

The pediatric intermediate care unit (IMCU) will bridge the gap between the PICU and Novant Health Hemby Children's Hospital's general unit, ensuring a smooth transition and continuity of care, while reserving resources in the PICU for the sickest children in our community. The unit will have the same leading-edge equipment available in the PICU and has an increased nurse to patient ratio to meet the unique needs of the patient population. A study by the Society of Critical Care Medicine shows the specialized care given in an intermediate care unit can significantly reduce the likelihood of readmission.

“We recognize the immense challenges and share in the uncertainty that comes with having a child in the hospital. The Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital Tony Stewart Intermediate Care Unit will provide our community with a vital resource and allow families to focus on continued recovery,” said Saad Ehtisham, DHA, FACHE, senior vice president, Novant Health, and president of Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center and Novant Health greater Charlotte market. “We are grateful to Tony Stewart for helping make this space a reality. He has a lasting legacy in motor sports, and this gift creates a new space for our care teams to provide individualized care to our pediatric patients as they build their own legacies of courage and resilience."

As Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital transforms to continue meeting the growing needs of the community, this six-bed unit will serve an additional 2,100 children each year. Every detail is dedicated to ensuring the health and wellness of patients and their families and the IMCU will continue the under the sea theme seen in Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital, extending the nurturing and comfortable environment.

“The Charlotte area is where I spent nearly 20 years of my racing career, and in that time, I watched friends get married and become parents, and I saw their children grow up. The health of their child became their No. 1 priority, and as a new dad, that’s a responsibility I carry with tremendous pride. It’s given me a new appreciation for our health care workers and especially those caring for young children,” said Tony Stewart, a three-time NASCAR Cup Series champion and NASCAR Hall of Fame inductee. “The Charlotte region continues to grow, and the IMCU at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital is here to help handle this growth so that more kids can thrive. This is a win for the community and the thousands of pediatric patients in need of advanced care.”

Other donors include the Speedway Children’s Charities and supporters of the Hemby Golf Classic. This donation is part of ongoing work led by the Novant Health Foundation to save lives and improve the health of the communities we serve.

The project is expected to be completed in 2026. This addition is a part of the larger, multiphase expansion to Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital. In November 2023, the neonatal intensive care unit expansion was completed, allowing for enhanced capacity to care for premature babies. An expansion to the St. Jude Affiliate Clinic at Novant Health Hemby Children’s Hospital, a department of Novant Health Presbyterian Medical Center, was completed in September 2024, ensuring pediatric patients and their families continue to have access to the latest cancer treatments and research opportunities.