Children’s of Alabama Responds to Statewide Critical Care Needs

Birmingham, Ala. (March 2, 2026) — Children’s of Alabama is once again renewing its commitment to care for the most critically ill patients across the Southeast. On Saturday, the state’s only freestanding pediatric hospital opened a newly designed Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU).

“This new unit addresses the increasing demand for pediatric critical care, particularly for children with complex medical needs,” said Tom Shufflebarger, President and CEO of Children’s of Alabama. “It features leading-edge design and technology that will support more efficient care, improved communication, and a healing environment for patients and their families.”

This new unit combines the PICU and Special Care Units into a single critical care space, providing flexibility for both high- and low-acuity patients. It is the result of a multidisciplinary effort involving nurses, physicians, respiratory therapists, pharmacists, IT professionals, facilities, and other partners.

This project was made possible through support from the community, including a $3 million gift from Quarterbacking Children’s Health Foundation.  Hoar Construction served as the construction manager, and Poole and Company Architects served as the design firm.