COLUMBUS, Ohio — Nationwide Children’s Hospital plans to open a new facility in New Albany as part of its "Close to Home" network to prevent people having to make long trips for medical emergencies.

What You Need To Know

  • The new center, which will be built on 25 acres donated by the Wexner family, will offer urgent care and specialized pediatric services in the northern section of New Albany's Village Center

  • The New Albany center is expected to open in 2027

  • So far, Nationwide Children's operates 12 "Close to Home" centers in central Ohio, which includes the new location that opened in Zanesville this week

The new center, which will be built on 25 acres donated by the Wexner family, will offer urgent care and specialized pediatric services in the northern section of New Albany's Village Center. Nationwide Children's said while there are services offered at the Philip Heit Center, the center will have expanded care, such as imaging, specialty clinics, occupational, physical and speech therapy, as well as lab services. 

The "Close to Home" network aims to offer community-based diagnostic and therapeutic services for newborns, children and young adults, Nationwide Children's said in a release. The services offered at these centers are based on the needs of the location, the hospital added.  

“So many have come together to help make this new Close To Home center in New Albany’s Village Center possible,” said Tim Robinson, chief executive officer of Nationwide Children’s, in a release. “The generosity of the Wexner family, the collaboration of the New Albany Company and the desire of the City of New Albany to support children are allowing Nationwide Children’s to expand access to our care.”

The New Albany center is expected to open in 2027. So far, Nationwide Children's operates 12 "Close to Home" centers in central Ohio, which includes the new location that opened in Zanesville this week. Additionally, another location will open in Athens this fall, and there's another slated to open in Grove City in 2026. 

“The 25-acre land donation for this project is a testament to the Wexner family’s enduring dedication to the community,” said New Albany Mayor Sloan Spalding in a release. “The project aims to not only improve health care access but also stimulate economic growth by attracting new shops and restaurants to the area. As we continue to prioritize strategic planning and sound development principles, we are confident that this facility will play a crucial role in supporting the health and well-being of New Albany's residents for generations to come.”