HSHS St. Anthony's at Work on Center for Pediatric Therapy

HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital has announced a major expansion in pediatric health care. Renovation started March 10 on a new Center for Pediatric Therapy that will be located at 904 Medical Park Drive in Effingham.

(Team members from HSHS St. Anthony’s Rehabilitation and Wellness are excited about renovation beginning on their new Center for Pediatric Therapy to be located at 904 Medical Park Drive, Effingham. Front row, left to right: Avery Pacella, Karen Buescher, Elizabeth Carter, Sheri McGee and Jamie Wellbaum. Back row, left to right: Alex Kastl, Rose Borries and Samantha Probst)

The new center will offer cutting-edge treatment services that cater specifically to the unique needs of children, providing a child-friendly environment designed to promote development, improve mobility and encourage independence. It will be the first and only center of its kind in the region. The project includes renovation of the 4,600 square foot building and state-of the-art therapy equipment, making a sizable investment for the region’s children, reducing the need for them to travel to obtain the level of care they deserve.

St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital already offers many pediatric therapy services to care for children with diagnoses such as autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, sensory processing disorder, cerebral palsy, muscular dystrophy, developmental delays, traumatic brain injuries and other congenital conditions.

Additional advanced therapies that will be added include pediatric pelvic floor therapy, intensive therapy with the Universal Exercise Unit, TOT Savvy (tongue ties), sensory processing interventions, augmentative and alternative communication, advanced pediatric feeding therapy and much more.

“A specialized center is essential for providing children the tailored care they need,” said Tammy Probst, Rehab and Wellness Director at St. Anthony’s. “By offering treatment in a child-friendly environment designed to accommodate their age, developmental stage and therapeutic requirements, the Center for Pediatric Therapy will offer optimal development, improve mobility and promote independence.”

The center will feature not only therapeutic services, but also specialized equipment that support physical and emotional development, such as a climbing rock wall and an adaptive playground. These additions are designed to help children build strength, coordination and confidence in a fun and supportive environment.

“This project represents another commitment of HSHS to strategically invest in advanced therapies and equipment to increase access and improve the health of patients in our community,” said Anthony Powers, Chief Administrative Officer at St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital. “The center will be a unique asset to the region, offering us the opportunity to expand and grow our current pediatric services and provide the highest level of care close to home for our patients.”

Construction is expected to be complete in late August 2025, and the center will be operational shortly thereafter with open house events to be scheduled for public tours of the facility.

For more information about HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, visit  stanthonyshospital.org.