RAPID CITY, S.D. (July 23, 2026) — Monument Health broke ground today on the Children’s Hospital Expansion at Monument Health Rapid City Hospital, marking the start of construction on a $48 million project that will transform care for mothers, babies and children across western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming.
The 63,000 square foot addition will include 19 Labor, Delivery, Recovery and Postpartum (LDRP). The LDRP model allows a family to remain in one room throughout labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum care rather than moving between units, supporting continuity of care and a more comfortable experience for new families.
The Neonatal Intensive Care Unit will move from an open bay environment to 25 private and semi private rooms, made up of 17 private rooms and four twin bays. The change gives families more privacy and a better healing environment during what is often an extended and difficult stay.
“This expansion has been years in the making, and it reflects a promise Monument Health made to the families of western South Dakota and eastern Wyoming,” said Paulette Davidson, President and CEO of Monument Health. “As our region grows, so does the need for specialized care for our smallest and most vulnerable patients. This is Monument Health investing in the future of our communities.”
As labor and delivery and NICU services move into the new space, Monument Health will backfill and expand pediatric services within the existing Children’s footprint. Areas that will benefit from the additional space include the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit, inpatient pediatrics, outpatient pediatric laboratory services, pediatric sedation services, pediatric chemotherapy and infusion services and retinopathy of prematurity exams.
Monument Health Foundation began raising funds for the Children’s Expansion in 2022 and has worked steadily with donors and community members to build support for the project. The generosity of donors and community members carried the Foundation to its full fundraising goal of $7.1 million for the project.
Construction is expected to run from August 2026 through February 2028.
About Monument Health
Headquartered in Rapid City, S.D., Monument Health is a community-based health care system with a mission to make a difference, every day. The system offers care in 31 medical specialties and serves 14 communities across western South Dakota and in eastern Wyoming. With over 6,300 physicians and caregivers, Monument Health is composed of 5 hospitals and more than 40 medical clinics and specialty centers. Monument Health is a member of the Mayo Clinic Care Network.
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