Parkland celebrates 10th anniversary of flagship campus
‘It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since we moved into this building.’
Parkland Health employees and leaders celebrated a major milestone today: the 10th anniversary of the opening of the state-of-the-art hospital that replaced the aging Parkland Memorial Hospital. It replaced the second Parkland hospital, which had faithfully served the community since 1954. The original Parkland Hospital still stands at the corner of Oak Lawn and Maple avenues
“We are incredibly proud of this facility and the compassionate care we provide within these walls, as well as in our specialty clinics on the main campus,” said Fred Cerise, MD, MPH, Parkland’s President and CEO. “We are deeply grateful to Dallas County voters and the philanthropic community for their support in making this a reality. It’s hard to believe it’s been 10 years since we moved into this building.”
Since the hospital and specialty clinic buildings opened, Parkland has continued to look for ways to innovate while always staying true to its mission of serving Dallas County’s health needs with both excellence and compassion.
In the decade since the hospital opened, the number of patients who have received care on the “new” campus is staggering: over 2,215,658 patients have received care in the Emergency Department; more than 363,980 adult inpatient discharges; over 122,123 babies welcomed into the world; and more than 160,952 surgeries performed in the main operating suites.
And behind every number is a person—a life touched by care that is sometimes lifesaving, sometimes life-sustaining, and always delivered with dignity and respect. Standing on the shoulders of those who came before, multidisciplinary teams across the system continue to pioneer new and innovative ways to better serve today’s patients while planning for the next generation.
“As we reflect on the last 10 years, we are humbled by the groundbreaking medical advancements that have become part of the fabric of how we care for our patients today,” Dr. Cerise said.
For example, when most envision an intensive care unit (ICU), they picture patients confined to beds, heavily sedated, attached to ventilators and machines. At Parkland, that picture has changed. The ICU Liberation project has worked to free patients from the serious physical and cognitive declines often caused by intensive care. Parkland’s Surgical ICU was one of only two in Texas selected to participate in this national quality improvement initiative.
“Before, no one in the SICU would have dreamed of getting an intubated patient walking,” Dr. Cerise said. “Now, it’s routine. We start small—helping patients sit on the edge of the bed, then stand and move to a chair. Using portable ventilators, we assist these patients in walking the hallways—a powerful step forward that inspires patients, families, and staff alike.”
Providing compassionate behavioral health services remains a critical challenge in Dallas County. A shortage of psychiatric facilities for underinsured and uninsured individuals led to many seeking care in Parkland’s Psychiatric Emergency Department. In response, Parkland created a Psychiatric Extended Observation Unit (PEOU), providing a safe, supportive space with capacity for an additional 20 patients with acute behavioral health conditions needing transition to community-based services.
Parkland’s Behavioral Health Department continues to grow its inpatient and outpatient services to better meet the needs of this vulnerable population with empathy and respect.
What these programs, and many others share are leaders and staff who recognize unmet needs and work tirelessly to find new, sometimes groundbreaking ways to better serve our patients and the Dallas County community. They demonstrate innovation and sound stewardship of resources—all while keeping our mission at heart: caring for patients with compassion, every day.
Together with Dallas County Health and Human Services, we developed a Community Health Needs Assessment to identify neighborhoods and populations facing the greatest health disparities. Our implementation plan focuses on transparency, accountability, and strong partnerships with community organizations to make meaningful progress.
Yet, even amid these successes, Parkland has faced profound challenges.
When the COVID-19 pandemic swept the nation, Parkland’s healthcare heroes stepped forward with courage and dedication. We set up testing and vaccination sites, opened a dedicated COVID unit, and cared selflessly for the sickest patients. Through nearly three years of uncertainty and loss, our commitment to our community never wavered.
Parkland also stood at the center of a tragic moment in Dallas history, treating seven of 11 police officers wounded during what has been described as the deadliest night for U.S. law enforcement since September 11, 2001. This heartbreaking event touched the hearts of our staff, many of whom knew the victims and their families personally.
With a proud tradition of serving Dallas County, Parkland remains steadfast—ready to meet whatever challenges lie ahead with unwavering dedication to Care. Compassion. Community.
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