Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Emergency
services
Your Trusted Pediatric Care Provider in Jacksonville, FL
Wolfson Children's Hospital has been dedicated to providing optimal health for children since 1955, offering patient- and family-centered care, education, research, and child advocacy. Recognized as one of America's Best Children's Hospitals by U.S. News & World Report, we serve as the only full-service tertiary hospital for children in the region, covering North Florida, South Georgia, and beyond. As a non-profit organization, we ensure care for all children regardless of financial circumstances. Our collaboration with Baptist Health, Nemours Children's Health, the University of Florida College of Medicine Jacksonville, and Mayo Clinic provides access to world-renowned specialists and cutting-edge resources. With over six decades of experience, our team combines clinical excellence with compassionate care to address both common and complex pediatric conditions. We maintain rigorous quality standards, evidenced by our accreditation by the American College of Surgeons for our Pediatric Cancer Program and recognition as a Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center.Our commitment to innovation is demonstrated through advanced technologies like the Swoop Portable MRI Imaging System and participation in over 80 pediatric cancer clinical trials annually. Through our 66-bed Critical Care Tower and specialized programs in cardiology, neurology, oncology, and more, we deliver comprehensive care tailored to children's unique needs. Our multidisciplinary approach ensures coordinated treatment across 30+ pediatric specialties, supported by dedicated teams in emergency medicine, rehabilitation, and behavioral health. As a community pillar, we advocate for child health through initiatives like the Safe Kids program and provide critical support services including financial assistance, interpreter services, and family wellness programs.
Services
Behavioral Health
Cancer Care
Pediatric Surgery
Neonatal Care
Emergency Services
Cardiology
Neurology
Gastroenterology
ENT Services
Diagnostic Imaging
Details
- Year established: 1955
Highlights and features
- Non-profit hospital treating all children regardless of ability to pay
- Part of Baptist Health's comprehensive care network with 6 hospitals and 70+ clinics
- Ranked among America's 50 best children's hospitals by U.S. News & World Report
- 24/7 pediatric emergency and trauma care at 6 regional ER locations
- Collaborates with Nemours Children's Health and Mayo Clinic for specialized treatment
Associations and certifications
- U.S. News & World Report
- American College of Surgeons (ACoS)
- Children's Oncology Group
- American College of Radiology
What people say
Exceptional staff
Child-friendly environment
Life-saving treatment
Expert specialists
Comprehensive care
Services
Behavioral Health
Our behavioral health program provides comprehensive care for pediatric mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma recovery. We offer inpatient hospitalization, outpatient therapy, emergency psychiatric services, and specialized programs for eating disorders and substance abuse. Our team includes board-certified child psychiatrists, psychologists, and licensed therapists who use evidence-based treatments tailored to each child's developmental needs. The program emphasizes family involvement and coordinates with other medical specialties to address co-occurring conditions.
Cancer Care
As an American College of Surgeons-accredited Pediatric Cancer Program, we offer comprehensive treatment for all childhood cancers including leukemia, lymphoma, brain tumors, and bone cancers. Our multidisciplinary team provides chemotherapy, radiation therapy, proton therapy, and bone marrow transplants. We participate in over 80 clinical trials annually through the Children's Oncology Group and offer specialized survivorship programs. The program includes pain management, palliative care, and psychosocial support services for patients and families.
Emergency Services
Our six pediatric emergency departments provide 24/7 care for children with urgent medical needs, including trauma, respiratory distress, and severe infections. As the only Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center in the region, we have specialized equipment and board-certified pediatric emergency physicians available at all times. The program features rapid access to imaging, laboratory services, and 30+ pediatric specialties. We use child-friendly techniques to minimize discomfort and provide family-centered care throughout treatment.
Neonatal Care
The neonatal intensive care unit provides advanced care for critically ill newborns and premature infants. Our team of neonatologists, pediatric surgeons, and specialized nurses manages complex conditions including respiratory distress syndrome, congenital heart defects, and birth complications. The program offers surgical interventions, advanced respiratory support, and developmental follow-up services. We coordinate with maternal-fetal medicine specialists for high-risk pregnancies and provide family support services during the NICU stay.
Cardiology
The Terry Heart Institute provides comprehensive care for congenital and acquired heart conditions in children. Services include diagnostic testing, interventional cardiology, heart rhythm management, and open-heart surgery. Our team treats conditions like ventricular septal defects, arrhythmias, and Kawasaki disease using advanced technologies including 3D echocardiography and cardiac MRI. The program features specialized clinics for adult congenital heart disease and offers long-term follow-up care for post-surgical patients.
People
John Draus, Jr., MD
Porter Family Trauma Center Medical Director
Dr. Draus specializes in pediatric surgery and trauma care with over 20 years of experience. He leads our Level 1 Pediatric Trauma Center, focusing on critical care transport and complex surgical interventions. His expertise includes managing severe pediatric trauma cases and directing multidisciplinary trauma teams.
Brian Gilligan, MD
Wolfson Children's Hospital ER Medical Director
Dr. Gilligan oversees emergency medicine operations with specialization in pediatric emergency care. He has extensive experience in managing pediatric emergencies, directing ER staff training programs, and implementing quality improvement initiatives for urgent care protocols.
Questions
What makes Wolfson Children's Hospital different from other pediatric facilities?
We are the only full-service tertiary children's hospital in the region with 24/7 access to 30+ pediatric specialties. Our U.S. News & World Report rankings, Level 1 Trauma Center designation, and collaborations with Mayo Clinic and Nemours Children's Health set us apart.
Do you treat both common and complex medical conditions?
Yes, we provide care for everything from routine childhood illnesses to the most complex cases requiring specialized surgery, cancer treatment, and organ transplants. Our multidisciplinary teams handle over 800 congenital heart surgeries alone.
Are your emergency departments staffed by pediatric specialists?
All ER physicians are board-certified in pediatric emergency medicine with specialized training in treating children. Our main campus ER has dedicated pediatric radiologists, pharmacists, and child life specialists available 24/7.
How do you support families during treatment?
We offer financial counseling, interpreter services, child life programs, and family accommodations. Our social workers and mental health professionals provide ongoing support throughout the treatment process.
What research and clinical trial opportunities are available?
As an academic medical center, we participate in over 80 pediatric clinical trials annually through the Children's Oncology Group and other research networks, giving patients access to cutting-edge treatments.
Can out-of-town families receive coordinated care?
Yes, we coordinate travel logistics, lodging assistance, and long-term follow-up care for families traveling from outside the region. Our care coordinators help manage appointments across multiple specialties.
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Reviews (4)
Kayy Dhannelle
Jun 17, 2022
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This place is amazing! From the time I arrived with my child he was in the best hands, EVERYONE that he needed was very attentive! They keep me updated as much as they can! The Chaplin is God sent, dad cant be here with me due to being home with the other kids. But the Chaplin was there to soothe me when I cried & prayed with me! He went above & beyond to loan me his charger & make sure I had food & drinks!
I sleep a little better knowing my son is getting the best care! & I love the fact they care about the parents & how they are feeling seeing their child down! Keep being the amazing staff & Hospital these babies need you guys
I sleep a little better knowing my son is getting the best care! & I love the fact they care about the parents & how they are feeling seeing their child down! Keep being the amazing staff & Hospital these babies need you guys
NinosKa Victoria
May 24, 2022
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My 4 year old adenoids were removed today by Dr. Sprecher at the Wolfson Children's Hospital in Dowtown Jax. I can't thank every staff enough, from registration to the Operaring Room staff. Thank you and God Bless you all
Katelyn Killinger
May 24, 2022
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They were very patient and worked so well with our 4 year old! She hardly even cried for the bloodwork. The staff is really excellent! The wait was about the same as any ER I've been to but wasn't terrible
A. Miller Ate
May 21, 2022
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The Daytona location is going to end up hurting someone by getting paperwork mixed up. I requested my kids heart monitor results be sent to me, I received the results to bloodwork.that weren't even hers! They sent me someone else's results! It took so long to get my kids records.by the time we got them, we had already gone to another Dr, had retaken multiple tests and had started treatment! AND when we did finally get the records they were WRONG!
For example, they had put that my daughter went to the ER(she never did) and it was a hospital we had never been to? Also put that my daughter tested positive for COVID at this er visit(she has never had covid and again we have never been to this hospital. They sent the wrong Dr paperwork.multiple times. This place is a mess with keeping people's files separate/secure and they mix files up.this could end up really hurting someone one day!
For example, they had put that my daughter went to the ER(she never did) and it was a hospital we had never been to? Also put that my daughter tested positive for COVID at this er visit(she has never had covid and again we have never been to this hospital. They sent the wrong Dr paperwork.multiple times. This place is a mess with keeping people's files separate/secure and they mix files up.this could end up really hurting someone one day!
