Nevada is set to welcome its first standalone children’s hospital in Las Vegas by 2030, with a familiar face stepping into the leadership role.
Lawrence Barnard, a seasoned healthcare executive, has been appointed as the hospital’s president by Intermountain Health.
Barnard, who previously held the position of associate vice president at Intermountain Children’s Health in Nevada, brings extensive experience in healthcare leadership to this new role.
His commitment to serving the pediatric community in Nevada stems from his understanding of the gaps in care that currently exist and a vision for what the new facility can achieve.
‘Larry’s extensive experience in healthcare leadership and deep connections to Nevada and Las Vegas make him the ideal first president of the Intermountain Health Nevada Children’s Hospital,’ stated Katy Welkie, vice president of Intermountain Children’s Health.
Barnard will steer the hospital through the construction phase and oversee operations after its grand opening.
In an interview with the Las Vegas Review-Journal, Barnard shared insights about his transition into this pivotal role, the pressing need for a children’s hospital in Nevada, and the excitement surrounding the project’s future.
Barnard clarified that he began working towards this role as president months ago, emphasizing that the title change aligns with the progress the children’s hospital project has made since he joined Intermountain Health two years ago.
Before moving to Nevada, Barnard served as CEO of University Medical Center in Los Angeles and regional president of Dignity Health-St. Rose Dominican.
After years in leadership positions, he sought a role that would be more mission-oriented and aimed at making a significant impact on pediatric healthcare.
When approached about the opportunity to lead the new children’s hospital, Barnard felt compelled to transition from his current position because he identified with the mission of the organization.
‘It’s exciting to be part of something that’s going to change the landscape of healthcare for children in our community,’ Barnard remarked.
One of the critical areas that Barnard highlighted is the significant gaps in pediatric care that this new facility will address.
‘Access is one of the biggest challenges we face.
We currently lack sufficient pediatricians, which leads to long wait times and considerable frustration for families seeking care,’ he explained.
The shortage of pediatric specialists is also concerning.
For instance, Nevada currently has only one pediatric neurosurgeon, leading to an overwhelming burden on that single practitioner who is on call around the clock.
In addition, the state is lacking essential specialties such as pediatric genetics, rheumatology, and ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists.
These shortages render the current healthcare system insufficient in addressing the needs of its pediatric population.
Barnard indicated that plans include recruiting skilled professionals in areas such as cardiology, neurosurgery, general surgery, oncology, and orthopedics, with an aim to create a comprehensive trauma center—or Level One trauma center—for children, which is currently non-existent in the region.
Recruitment efforts for physician staff have already commenced, as Barnard understands the importance of building a strong and dedicated team.
While he wouldn’t disclose specific numbers, Barnard expressed enthusiasm about the significant job creation this project will inspire, which in turn, will enhance the region’s healthcare landscape.
‘Creating something from scratch offers a unique opportunity to reshape how healthcare is delivered, allowing us to implement best practices and foster a fulfilling work environment for our staff,’ Barnard shared.
He emphasized the goal of crafting not only a hospital that serves children and families but also one that prioritizes the experience and well-being of the caregivers.
‘If we take care of our staff and ensure they feel supported and appreciated, it translates into better care for the children and families we serve,’ he stated.
In addition to patient care, Barnard hopes to foster partnerships with local academic institutions, including UNLV, UNR, Touro University Nevada, and Roseman University of Health Sciences.
These collaborations will focus on building a robust pipeline for training new healthcare professionals and further enhancing the pediatric services offered in Nevada.
In response to the urgent need for pediatric care in the region, many families in Nevada have been forced to travel out of state in search of specialized services.
Barnard recounted a heartbreaking story about a family traveling to a facility in California when their son tragically passed away on the highway.
‘Ideally, children should receive care in a supportive hospital environment, not on the roadside,’ he said, highlighting the emotional weight of the current situation.
His goals for the children’s hospital reflect not only a commitment to high-quality medical care but also a vision for a patient-centered environment.
Barnard desires the facility to embody the spirit of Las Vegas while creating a healing environment for children, encouraging them to feel like kids again amidst their treatments.
He emphasized the importance of making the hospital experience enjoyable, incorporating activities such as video game tournaments or LEGO building projects to facilitate a sense of normalcy for young patients.
Construction plans are well underway, with the groundbreaking anticipated by the end of this year.
As of now, the site is still a bare plot of dirt, but Barnard eagerly looks forward to ushering in the next steps of development, aiming for the hospital’s opening around 2029.
Collaborating with architects from Gensler and Shepley Bullfinch, Barnard noted that design tours of various hospitals across the U.S. and local casinos’ customer service models have provided valuable insights for shaping the new facility.
A unique initiative involves engaging families in the design process through partnership with Act4Kids.
An upcoming event will bring families together to share their experiences and express what they hope to see in the hospital’s design.
Barnard believes it is crucial that the new hospital is created with input directly from the community, aiming to transcend traditional hospital designs by emphasizing the voices of caregivers and families.
‘We’re not just building a hospital; we want it to be a facility that reflects the needs and desires of those who will use it,’ he said.
As Barnard looks forward to launching this long-overdue facility, he expresses a deep sense of pride in his role.
Having served as a captain in the U.S. Army from 2001 to 2006, Barnard views his current position as an extension of his commitment to service.
‘Every day, I have the honor of serving the community and supporting the talented caregivers who work tirelessly to impact the lives of children and families.
I aim to make their lives better and foster an environment where healthcare professionals can thrive,’ he concluded.
With Barnard at the helm, the Intermountain Health Nevada Children’s Hospital promises to be a transformative addition to the landscape of pediatric care in the state.
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