The Pitt County Memorial Hospital Board of Trustees has slated $42 million for expansion of the Children's Hospital.

"This is a great news for every parent, grandparent or loved one of a child in our community and region," said Dave McRae, chief executive officer of University Health Systems of Eastern Carolina. "These families need and deserve a healing environment that is especially focused on the specific treatment of children?s illnesses."

The Kids Immunosuppressed Special Unit, or KISSU, is a critical part of the expansion. The unit helps kids with cancer, blood disorders, sickle-cell disease and kidney disorders.

Expanded pediatric services are also included in the expansion, including special-care nursery beds for infants, a separate area for sedation procedures, and a Ronald McDonald suite for families.

Officials hope to break ground in 2011. Funding for the expansion will come primarily from community and regional donations.

"Our Children's Hospital serves the entire eastern third of the state,"
said Dr. Ronald Perkin, medical director, UHS Children's Hospital and chairman, Department of Pediatrics, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University. "We have a huge role to play in being able to treat all of the children of eastern North Carolina. This is the place where miracles happen."