Seoul St. Mary's Hospital Opens Children's Hospital for Severe and Rare Disease Treatment

Opening Ceremony Held for 'St. Nicholas Children's Hospital'

Seoul St. Mary's Hospital is opening a children's hospital to provide systematic and specialized treatment for children and adolescents with severe, rare, and intractable diseases.

Officials from Seoul St. Mary's Hospital are holding the opening ceremony of the 'St. Nicholas Children's Hospital' on the 23rd at the main auditorium of the hospital in Seocho-gu, Seoul, and are taking a commemorative photo. Seoul St. Mary's Hospital

On December 23, Seoul St. Mary's Hospital held the opening ceremony for the 'St. Nicholas Children's Hospital' at the main auditorium of its main campus in Seocho-gu, Seoul, and announced this plan.

St. Nicholas, the patron saint adopted by the children's hospital, is a Catholic saint who served as the inspiration for Santa Claus. He is known for his acts of mercy and charity to the poor in the Eastern Roman Empire during the 3rd century. The hospital was named after St. Nicholas to deliver magical healing experiences to children, just as Santa Claus secretly leaves gifts by the bedside on Christmas Eve.

Building on its multidisciplinary collaboration, education system, and research capabilities accumulated since the days of the Pediatric and Adolescent Center, the hospital plans to focus its expertise on advanced treatments such as pediatric cancer, rare and intractable diseases, neonatal and premature infant care, and pediatric intensive care. In addition, the hospital aims to present a holistic pediatric medical model that encompasses early diagnosis, treatment, post-care, and reintegration support to ensure a 'healthy future.'

The hospital will be operated by a total of 74 specialists, including 51 pediatricians across 14 subspecialties and 23 specialists from 15 collaborating departments. With this extensive medical team, the hospital aims to provide multidisciplinary care for highly complex and severe conditions, including extremely premature infants, congenital diseases, and pediatric cancers.

Notably, the hospital is one of only seven medical institutions in Korea capable of performing pediatric heart surgery for congenital heart diseases, and it is recognized for its outstanding capabilities in the treatment of premature and high-risk newborns. Designated as a 'Safe Hospital for Our Children,' it also operates a 24-hour pediatric emergency care system, demonstrating its top-tier pediatric expertise in Korea.

The hospital also supports the growth of young patients through programs that integrate emotional and social aspects. The Raphael Children's School, located within the pediatric hematology and oncology ward, is an accredited educational institution through an agreement with the Gangnam Office of Education. It provides academic support, helps maintain peer relationships, and fosters emotional stability and recovery so that patients who frequently miss school do not face difficulties with advancement or graduation. In addition, the pediatric palliative care team, 'Solsolbaram,' provides comprehensive care throughout the treatment process, addressing both pain management and psychological support.

Lee Jiyeol, Director of Seoul St. Mary's Hospital, stated, "Based on our hospital's top-level clinical, research, and educational infrastructure, we will take the lead in protecting every child's right to grow up healthy and make a tangible contribution to strengthening the national pediatric essential medical system."

Jung Nakgyun, the inaugural director of St. Nicholas Children's Hospital, said, "We will comprehensively establish a treatment system for severe pediatric conditions, including rare and genetic diseases, pediatric cancer, and infections. Beyond treating diseases, we will provide customized, holistic healing that includes prevention and early diagnosis, as well as addressing the complex conflicts and pain experienced by patients and their families."