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LEHI — Rob Allen, CEO of Intermountain Health, said when The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints gave 15 hospitals, including Primary Children's Hospital, to the community in 1975, it was with a charge to be a model health system.
He said the new Primary Children's location in Lehi is part of carrying that charge forward today.
The Larry H. and Gail Miller Family Campus of Primary Children's Hospital was dedicated in a ceremony on Friday, and will open for patients on Feb. 12. An outdoor tent built for the occasion was filled with hundreds of guests, including patients, donors and caregivers. Others watched the event through a livestream inside the new hospital and at home.
"This represents a continued dedication to care for each child in need. Big challenges require bold, big ideas," Allen said.
During the ceremony, Gail Miller thanked those gathered for being "part of something miraculous that will last forever in my heart, and I hope in yours."
Miller said the caregivers and physicians are what makes Primary Children's great.
"The sacred work that will take place within the walls of this new hospital is about each caregiver doing what it takes to meet the needs of each patient and each family that will walk through those doors," she said.
Nellie's story
Miller said their donation to Primary Children's was the largest single gift the family has donated, and may be the most meaningful. She talked about bringing her first child to Primary Children's for surgeries for bleeding in his brain.
"I know firsthand the value of having access for quality care for our children," she said.
Miller was introduced by a patient and friend she met at a press conference four years ago, Nellie Mainor, who is now 13.
"Today we're closer to the same height, and I still look up to her. And I always will," she said.
The 13-year-old said she is one of the many examples of miracles that happen at Primary Children's Hospital daily. She was diagnosed with Dense Deposit Disease, and lost both of her kidneys.
Nellie said many times during her care she was scared about what would happen, but nurses and doctors cared for all her medical and mental needs. She said her caregivers became family, and even took her pets home when she could not have pets after her transplant.
"They make me feel safe and well taken care of. After all, this is our second home," she said.
Although she continues to be a patient and comes in for regular treatments, Nellie said she is living her best life as a teenager.
More than 100 years of caring for children
Katy Welkie, vice president for Intermountain Children's Health and CEO of Primary Children's Hospital, said the event is a milestone in the Primary Promise vision to build the nation's model children's health system.
"The opening of this second campus is the most significant event for children in this community in over a century," she said.
Welkie said a $50 million dollar donation from the Miller family inspired "the most significant investment ever in Utah in the wellness and health of children." She said Intermountain Health is proud to name the campus after the family.
The campus has colorful walls and designs spread throughout the new hospital, with activities and amenities designed specifically for patients and their families. It includes an outpatient area, an inpatient area, intensive care facilities, and an emergency room.
Welkie said Primary Children's Hospital opened over 100 years ago, in 1922.
"Much has changed in health care since that time. But one thing that hasn't is that we are all still deeply moved by the potential and promise of children," she said.
Recently, Welkie said, the hospital has helped over 100,000 children every year — and there are increasing needs for children in the community in a state with one of the highest birth rates.
Lisa Paletta, president of the Miller campus, said children are the "motivation for all we do."
She said the campus will provide the same excellent care provided at the Primary Children's Hospital in Salt Lake City.
"For the first time ever, thousands of families will be only minutes away from cutting-edge, lifesaving emergency services in an environment that was created just for kids," she said.
Paletta said the hospital brings over 40 pediatric sub-specialties to the Utah County community. She said it has an atmosphere of "wonder and healing," with playful waiting areas, natural light and bright colors to ease fear and anxiety.
The hospital was dedicated by Kristi Spackman, chaplain for the new hospital.
"May our new hospital be a house of learning, wonder and innovation. May our caregivers be blessed with the inspiration and excitement to utilize and discover emerging medical insights and treatments that will continue to fuel Primary Children's legacy of care," she said.
The public is invited to tour the new facility on Saturday. Reservations for the tours are encouraged but not required and can be made online.
Correction: A previous version said Feb. 13 in the headline; the new Primary Children's campus in Lehi opens Feb. 12.
