While Richmond boasts many outstanding attractions, including museums, delectable gastronomy, and one-of-a-kind historical landmarks, one underappreciated feature of Virginia’s capital city is the Children’s Hospital of Richmond, a level-one trauma center ranked nationally in two pediatric specialties and highly reviewed by many patients. Many may not realize the value of having such a highly-regarded hospital nearby, yet as stated on the hospital’s website, an emergency may strike at any time, and the highly-qualified medical professionals at CHOR will be ready. The CHOR doctors’ top priority is to treat their patients in the best way possible to have them feeling better in no time at all.

Located just ten minutes away from MLWGS in the heart of Richmond, CHOR recently added Wonder Tower, which provides treatments to pediatric patients in a variety of different specialties, from neonatology to endocrinology. Established in 1920 as the Crippled Children’s Hospital at VCU, this hospital has a long history of caring for patients, having celebrated its 100-year anniversary in 2019. The construction of the hospital finished in 1928, and the hospital continues to expand, adding more locations and services to better provide for patients. The Wonder Tower, containing a pediatric in-patient unit and an expanded emergency department, opened for business in 2023. It is decorated vibrantly for childrens’ enjoyment, and the staff there are committed to making their patients' experience as smooth and relaxing as possible.

Many reviews cite the hospital’s compassionate staff, experienced and knowledgeable medical professionals, and child-friendly environment. In contrast to the more detached adult hospital, CHOR features a sibling lounge complete with coloring books and bean bag chairs, book carts filled with books for patients to take home for free, relaxing aquarium projectors in the ultrasound rooms, and an always-stocked snack and prize bucket on nearly every floor, making childrens’ experiences there as calming as possible.

In fact, in my own experience with the outpatient clinics and the Children’s Tower emergency departments, all of the staff—from the receptionists to the nurses and doctors—work tirelessly to make appointments as smooth and relaxing as possible. I see a grand total of twelve VCU children’s specialists, with most located exclusively at CHOR, who provide excellent and thorough care. During and after the COVID pandemic, CHOR continues to offer telehealth care and prioritizes the safety and well-being of their patients. According to a report on WRIC news, the staff in the Children's Tower and outpatient facility always go the extra mile to brighten their patients’ day. For instance, in October 2024, the children’s hospital hired window cleaners dressed as superheroes to clean the children’s tower windows, bringing smiles to their patients’ (and doctors’) faces. The Children’s Tower also employs Child Life, an organization of medical professionals who help patients and their families through the emotional toll of illness and injury during a hospital admission. Child Life specialists at VCU often bring their patients toys and books to take home, and support patients’ caregivers through difficult medical times.

CHOR doctors specialize in a wide variety of fields and diseases, treating anything from acute simple illnesses to chronic medical mysteries so that a patient’s entire care team may be all in one place. Doctors in nearly every specialty, from cardiology to orthopedics, will listen and provide a care plan for each and every one of their patients. Although some may not consider the Children’s Hospital to contribute to Richmond’s diverse culture, its excellent care provides many Richmond residents peace of mind.

Information gathered from WikiPedia, Yelp, Children’s Hospital of Richmond Website, VCU Health, WRIC News