All Children’s Hospital

Johns Hopkins All Children’s Hospital (ACH) is a pediatric hospital located in St. Petersburg, Florida. All Children’s Hospital provides pediatric care for infants, children, and teens with challenging medical problems. Founded in 1926, All Children’s has grown into a leading pediatric referral center that is dedicated to advancing treatment, education, research and advocacy in child health, providing care in more than 43 pediatric medial and surgical subspecialities.[1] On January 9, 2010, the hospital moved to its current location at 501 6th Avenue South. The former building was demolished throughout 2011 and 2012.

In 2015, ACH was nationally ranked in two pediatric specialties by U.S. News; their Cardiology & Heart Surgery department was ranked #26 in the nation and the Pulmonology department was ranked #48.[2] All Children’s has also garnered Most Outstanding Business awards from the Tampa Bay Business Journal and the Greater St. Petersburg Chamber of Commerce.[3] As a regional referral center for children with some of the most challenging medical problems, All Children’s draws patients from throughout Florida, all 50 states and 36 foreign countries.

All Children’s Hospital was founded in 1926 by members of the American Legion Post 14 as a place for children who suffered from polio and other crippling disorders. Its original name was The American Legion Hospital for Crippled Children. In 1934, Lloyd Gullickson partnered with Babe Didrikson in a charity golf match against Glenna Collett-Vare and Babe Ruth which they won quite easily.[4] The match raised $600 for the All Children’s Hospital. A number of gallery members were betting which of the “Babes” would hit the longest drive on each hole.[5]

From 1936 to 1960, the hospital expanded by more than 5,000 square feet, adding physical therapy, educational therapy, surgical facilities, a full-time school teacher, a library, and school facilities. As the threat of polio decreased, hospital leaders planned for a future that included a wider variety of services. Construction began on the new facility in 1965 on land acquired from the City of St. Petersburg.[3]

The new hospital opened its doors in 1967 with the new name All Children’s Hospital. The name is based on the quote by Carl Sandburg, which states “There is only one child in all the world, and that child’s name is all children”. In the following years, the hospital gained subspecialties, such as pediatric anesthesiology, pediatric cardiology, and opened new sections such as an intensive care unit, research labs, and a neonatal nursery. In 1980, the Ronald McDonald House opened to provide services to patients with longer stays. From 1985–1995 more units were added, such as the Medical Intensive Care Unit, Short Stay Unit, Special Procedures Unit, Pediatric Dialysis Unit, and Pediatric Emergency Center. From 1996-1998, outpatient center were opened in Sarasota, Fort Myers, and Lakeland.[3]

Demolition of the former building as seen in March 2012
In 2005, All Children’s broke ground on construction of a brand new 240-bed hospital and adjoining outpatient facility. This facility opened in 2010. It consisted of a ten floor hospital and a five floor outpatient care center. In 2011, All Children’s Hospital joined the Johns Hopkins Health System as a fully integrated member of Johns Hopkins Medicine. It currently boasts outpatient care center in Florida located in Brandon, Citrus County, East Lake, Fort Myers, Lakeland, Pasco, Sarasota, South Tampa, and Tampa.[6]