In February 2003, Valley Baptist opened the Matt & Patty Gorges Children’s Center in Harlingen, which greatly improved the access of local children to specialized medical care and to physician consultation with pediatric sub-specialties. Last year, the Children’s Center treated more than 3,000 children in Cameron County (one of the fastest growing regions in the country). This growth clearly indicated the need to create an area specifically fitting for pediatric patients.

The Matt & Patty Gorges Children’s Center at Valley Baptist Medical Center-Harlingen is devoted exclusively to the care of children and infants, providing specialized medical care for those who live here in the Valley. In recent months, the specialized services have been enhanced by a partnership between Valley Baptist and Driscoll Children’s Hospital of Corpus Christi.

The 62-bed center is specifically designed to accommodate children and their parents. The center opened in 2003 on the fourth floor of the East Tower at VBMC-Harlingen, and is named in honor of Harlingen community leaders and generous supporters Matt and Patty Gorges. 

The state-of-the-art center features 48 private rooms and 14 pediatric intensive care rooms, as well as greater access to expanded pediatric specialty care. Children receive enhanced care in such areas as cardiology, pulmonary medicine, neurology, gastroenterology, infectious diseases, endocrinology, surgery, intensive care, oncology, immunology, and dentistry. There is also a 38-bed Newborn Intensive Care Unit located near the Children’s Center.

To make children feel more comfortable and less fearful while they are in the hospital, the Children’s Center features colorful and unique artwork and special “child-friendly” features. All of the nurses’ stations, patient rooms, and hallways are brightly decorated in themes which appeal to children.