Children’s Hospital at Erlanger plans to renovate its emergency department, main lobby and entryways as part of an effort to create a more child-centered experience for patients and families.
Construction is expected to begin in summer 2026 and conclude by the end of the year. The project will be funded through a combination of organizational resources, private donations and proceeds from the 2026 Erlanger Believe Bash.
Believe Bash is a fundraising event that helps fund new technologies, medical innovations and facility improvements across the Erlanger health system. The 2026 Believe Bash is scheduled for Saturday, April 18.
Hospital officials said the redesigned spaces will serve the more than 80,000 patients and families who visit the facility annually, with an emphasis on creating environments that are engaging, calming and distinctly separate from Erlanger’s adult hospital.
The renovation will build on the design approach used in the Kennedy Outpatient Center and is part of a broader series of improvements underway at the children’s hospital.
Those projects include a new behavioral health space within the emergency department, a fast-track area for non-emergency patients and updates to make patient rooms more sensory-friendly.
“When families walk into Children’s, they’re often facing one of the most difficult days of their lives,” says Erlanger Health CEO Jim Coleman. “We want the first moment they enter through the door to say, ‘You’re safe, you’re not alone and you’re in the right place.’”
Plans call for a large tree installation to serve as the centerpiece of the emergency department and lobby, along with a dedicated Kids Corner featuring live monitors streaming interactive content from Chattanooga attractions.
The space will also include child-sized seating and improved wayfinding, including a newly designated parking garage entrance to provide a clearer path for families entering the hospital.
The project is supported by state funding, Erlanger investment and private philanthropy, though officials says additional community support is still needed to complete the full vision.
Part of the proceeds from the Believe Bash will be directed toward the renovation. Organizers are encouraging community members, businesses and donors to participate through event attendance, sponsorships or direct contributions.
Hospital operations will continue during construction, with officials saying temporary access measures and communication plans will be put in place to minimize disruptions.
Source: Children’s Hospital at Erlanger