We're Growing

At Cook Children’s, we believe in caring that goes beyond the ordinary—care that’s built on empathy, collaboration, and a commitment to truly seeing the world through the eyes of children and their families – and those families grow by the day. That’s why we’re expanding to better serve the community we cherish. These new spaces are designed with kids and families in mind, making it easier to provide exceptional care while fostering an environment of comfort, warmth, and healing. Together, we’re building a future where every child has access to the health, happiness, and magic they deserve.

Cook Children’s Medical Center – Fort Worth Campus Expansion

Architectural rendering of West Tower expansion

Press release | Review of campus expansion

Cook Children’s is feeling the effects of the population boom in Fort Worth and surrounding areas.

Fort Worth is the 12^th largest city
59 people are moving here every day
One of the fastest growing cities in the U.S.

The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) need more beds.

As September 2024, the NICU hit a record 102 patients at one time
The NICU averages 80 patients per day
During busy sick seasons, it’s not uncommon to see 500 to 600+ patients in Cook Children’s Fort Worth Emergency Department in a single day.
These volumes result in extreme wait times and have a direct impact on our PICU, which cares for the sickest of the sick.

"The needs of our community are growing, and so are we,” said Rick W. Merrill, President and CEO of Cook Children’s Health Care System. “We’re committed to being there for every child, which is why we're exploring opportunities to further expand our campus to better serve the children and families across Fort Worth and the other counties we serve.”

We have to grow to keep up with demand.

We recently created a 10-year Master Plan, starting with a new West Tower facility. The West Tower will be located at the corner of 8^th and Cooper St. (land we already own)
The plan demonstrates our Promise to do everything for the child.

Early stage consideration:

Expanded intensive care units - NICU and PICU
Increased capacity for Hematology-Oncology services & research
More operating rooms and imaging equipment
Need to move Kids’ Place away from Fort Worth’s campus before construction begins for safety
All construction will take place on property currently owned by Cook Children’s

News and media requests

Cook Children’s Public Relations team is available at 682-774-2810. You can also email us at media@cookchildrens.org.

Cook Children’s and JPS partner to build new health care center in Las Vegas Trail neighborhood

Architectural rendering of West Tower expansion

Press release | Las Vegas Trail health services

In a first-of-its-kind partnership, Cook Children’s Health Care System and JPS Health Network are joining forces to bring critical health care services to children and families in the Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood.

The center will provide pediatric and adult medical services, behavioral health services, and social services support such as food insecurity in the form of a food pantry, community education, and onsite job training for health care industry positions. With support from the City of Fort Worth, a Fort Worth Police Storefront will also be housed in the building to help foster police relations within the community.

“We’re grateful for the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of children and families in our community, and to do it side-by-side with incredible partners such as JPS, LVTRise and the City of Fort Worth,” said Rick W. Merrill, President and CEO of Cook Children’s Health Care System. “It’s an honor to be part of the great revitalization of the Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood and I look forward to the lasting legacy of this important work for generations to come.”

In the LVT area, there are more than 20,000 children aged 0-14 with a 7% growth in this population expected by 2025. Currently, Cook Children’s Emergency Department and Urgent Care Clinics account for more than 4,000 annual visits from children in the 76116 and 76108 zip codes. Additionally, more than 7,000 members of Cook Children’s Health Plan live in these zip codes. Las Vegas Trail Neighborhood Health Center will allow Cook Children’s patients and Health Plan members to have a medical home for their health care needs that’s close to their own home.

News and media requests

Cook Children’s Public Relations team is available at 682-774-2810. You can also email us at media@cookchildrens.org.