Jordan Ellis
Parkland Memorial Hospital is a public hospital in Dallas, Texas, that first opened in 1894. The hospital has since moved locations twice, with the latest relocation taking place in 2015. The original hospital was housed in a wooden building, but this was replaced with a brick building in 1913. Today, Parkland Memorial Hospital is the main hospital of the Parkland Health & Hospital System and serves as Dallas County's public hospital.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Parkland Hospital |
| Location | Dallas, Texas |
| Established | 1894 |
| Age | As of 2023, it is 129 years old |
| Type | Public hospital |
| Size | 882 beds |
| Affiliation | University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center |
| Emergency Department Visits | Approximately 125,000 annually |
| Trauma Center | Level I Trauma Center |
| Specialties | Trauma, burn care, high-risk obstetrics, neurosurgery, psychiatry, and rehabilitation |
| Recognition | Known for its role in the response to the Kennedy assassination and as a teaching hospital |
| New Campus | A new Parkland Hospital campus opened in August 2015, replacing the previous main facility |
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What You'll Learn
Parkland Memorial Hospital's history and origins
Parkland Memorial Hospital is a public hospital located in Dallas, Texas. It is the main hospital of the Parkland Health & Hospital System and serves as Dallas County's public hospital within the Southwestern Medical District. The hospital is partially staffed by the faculty, residents, and medical students of UT Southwestern Medical Center.
The hospital first opened on May 19, 1894, in a wooden building on a 17-acre meadow at Oak Lawn and Maple avenues. The name 'Parkland' came from the land on which the hospital was built, originally purchased by the city as a park. In 1913, a brick building replaced the wooden facility, and this building was the first hospital brick building erected in Texas.
Since 1894, the hospital has had three locations. In 1954, it moved to Harry Hines, and in 2015, it moved across the street from the second location. The third location opened in 2015, and the formal groundbreaking ceremony was held in October 2010. The new facility features separate corridors and elevators for staff and supplies and patients and visitors. The new Parkland Hospital was designed to be a civic anchor, with a physical relationship to multiple modes of public transportation and the incorporation of "linear parks".
Parkland Memorial has a notable history in delivering infants, with 15,590 babies delivered in 2005, averaging more than 42 infants per day. It also created one of the first high-risk antenatal units in the nation and had the first neonatal intensive care unit in North Texas. The hospital also has a high volume of emergency visits, with approximately 240,000 visits a year.
Parkland Memorial Hospital also has a connection to the assassination of John F. Kennedy, as he was brought to Trauma Room 1 after being shot. The site of Trauma Room 1 has been renovated several times since 1963 and was dismantled for renovation in 1973. All building materials and equipment from the room were retained by the government and remain in archival storage today. Parkland's JFK history is noted on a wall at the new hospital.
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The hospital's role in the aftermath of the JFK assassination
Parkland Memorial Hospital, located in Dallas, Texas, is a historic institution with a long and renowned history in the community. As of 2023, the hospital has been serving Dallas for around 125 years, with its establishment in 1894. However, it gained international attention for its role in one of the most tragic and pivotal moments in American history: the assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963.
On that fateful day, Parkland Hospital became the center of a desperate and futile effort to save the life of the President. After being fatally shot while his motorcade drove through Dealey Plaza in Dallas, Kennedy was rushed to the nearest medical facility, which happened to be Parkland. The emergency room staff at Parkland sprang into action, with doctors and nurses frantically working to resuscitate and stabilize the President. Despite their best efforts, Kennedy was pronounced dead approximately 30 minutes after his arrival at the hospital.
The hospital also played a critical role in the treatment of Governor John Connally, who was riding in the presidential limousine and was also seriously wounded in the assassination attempt. Connally was treated successfully at Parkland and survived his injuries. In the chaotic and grief-stricken hours that followed the assassination, Parkland Hospital became a makeshift command center for law enforcement, with the Secret Service, FBI, and local police coordinating their investigations from the hospital grounds.
The hospital's morgue also became a key location, as Kennedy's body was brought there for a brief autopsy before being prepared for the journey back to Washington, D.C. Parkland Hospital's staff demonstrated unwavering dedication and professionalism during this unprecedented crisis, and their efforts were recognized and commended by authorities and the grieving nation alike. The hospital has since become a symbol of the tragic event, with tourists and historians visiting the site to pay their respects and learn more about its role in that dark chapter of American history.
While the hospital has undergone expansions and renovations over the years, the legacy of that day in November 1963 remains, serving as a reminder of the critical role that Parkland Hospital played in one of the defining moments of the 20th century. The hospital continues to serve the Dallas community, providing healthcare services and standing as a testament to the resilience and dedication of its medical professionals.
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Awards received by Parkland Memorial Hospital
Parkland Memorial Hospital, located in Dallas, Texas, is the main hospital of the Parkland Health & Hospital System. It has received numerous awards and recognitions over the years for its contributions to the healthcare sector and its commitment to providing quality patient care. Here is a detailed overview of some of the awards received by Parkland Memorial Hospital:
American Heart Association Awards
Parkland Health & Hospital System has received multiple awards from the American Heart Association. They were recognised with the Get With The Guidelines-Heart Failure Gold Plus Quality Achievement Award for their commitment to ensuring heart failure patients receive the most appropriate treatment according to nationally recognised, research-based guidelines. The hospital also earned the American Heart Association Mission: Lifeline NSTEMI and STEMI Gold Achievement Awards for implementing specific quality improvement measures outlined by the association for the prompt and appropriate treatment of heart attack patients.
Texas Preparedness Leadership Award
The staff of Parkland Memorial Hospital's Emergency Department and Rees-Jones Trauma Center received the 2016 Texas Preparedness Leadership Award. This award specifically recognised their "Outstanding Service in Response to the 2016 Dallas Police Shootings."
America's Essential Hospitals Gage Quality Award Honourable Mention
Parkland received an honourable mention in 2020 for this award, which recognised their activities to improve the quality of care and patient safety. Specifically, their penicillin allergy studies were recognised as an innovative and easy-to-implement approach to improve safety, lower costs, and reduce antibiotic resistance.
Most Wired™ Hospitals
The American Hospital Association recognised Parkland as one of the nation's Most Wired™ Hospitals from 2014 to 2017 and again in 2020. This recognition highlighted their excellence in using technology to fill gaps in care and partner with patients on health initiatives.
The Joint Commission's Sustainable Healthcare Certification (SHC)
Parkland received this certification in 2024 by prioritising environmental sustainability and decarbonisation. Their main campus is currently the largest ENERGY STAR®-certified healthcare campus in the U.S., and they have six LEED Gold-certified buildings that showcase their commitment to sustainability.
These awards demonstrate Parkland Memorial Hospital's dedication to delivering exceptional patient care, adopting innovative technologies, and contributing to the advancement of healthcare in Dallas and beyond.
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Funding sources for the hospital
Parkland Memorial Hospital, located in Dallas, Texas, has a long and illustrious history dating back to 1894 when it first opened its doors as a small, 15-bed hospital. Over the years, Parkland has grown and evolved into a major healthcare institution, serving the Dallas community and beyond. As of 2025, the hospital is 131 years old and continues to be a pivotal healthcare provider in the region.
Parkland Memorial Hospital, a pivotal healthcare institution in Dallas, relies on a diverse range of funding sources to support its operations and ensure accessibility to quality healthcare for all. These funding sources are essential for the hospital's day-to-day functioning, expansion projects, and continued provision of cutting-edge medical services. Here are the key funding streams that enable Parkland to deliver on its mission:
Government Funding:
Government support forms a significant portion of Parkland's funding, with the hospital receiving allocations from federal, state, and local governments. This includes Medicare and Medicaid reimbursements, which are crucial for covering the costs of treating patients enrolled in these programs. The hospital also benefits from grants and allocations from the Texas state government, which support specific initiatives, expansion projects, and the adoption of new technologies. Additionally, local government support ensures that Parkland can cater to the unique healthcare needs of the Dallas community.
Philanthropy and Donations:
Philanthropic contributions and donations play a pivotal role in sustaining Parkland Memorial Hospital. The Parkland Foundation, established in 1984, is a nonprofit organization dedicated to raising funds for the hospital. Through various fundraising campaigns, special events, and individual donations, the foundation generates significant financial support for Parkland. This includes donations from grateful patients, corporate sponsors, and community members who recognize the importance of having a well-resourced healthcare facility in their midst.
Insurance Reimbursements:
Insurance reimbursements are another vital source of funding for Parkland Memorial Hospital. The hospital accepts a wide range of insurance plans, including private insurance, employer-sponsored plans, and managed care organizations. These reimbursements cover the costs of treating patients with insurance coverage, helping to offset the expenses incurred by the hospital in providing healthcare services. Parkland's ability to accept and bill a diverse range of insurance providers ensures a steady stream of funding.
Research Grants and Collaborations:
As an academic medical center, Parkland Memorial Hospital is actively involved in research and innovation. The hospital secures funding through research grants from various organizations, including the National Institutes of Health, private foundations, and pharmaceutical companies. These grants support clinical trials, translational research, and the development of new treatments and technologies. Additionally, collaborations with academic institutions and research centers bring in additional funding and expertise, fostering advancements in healthcare delivery and patient care.
Investment Income and Endowments:
Parkland Memorial Hospital also benefits from investment income generated by its endowment funds. These funds are carefully managed and invested to produce a steady stream of revenue over the long term. The interest and dividends earned from these investments provide a stable source of funding for the hospital's operations and future expansion projects. Endowments may be designated for specific purposes, such as supporting a particular department, funding scholarships for healthcare professionals, or purchasing state-of-the-art medical equipment.
The diverse funding sources outlined above enable Parkland Memorial Hospital to maintain its high standards of patient care, invest in cutting-edge technology, and expand its facilities to meet the evolving needs of the Dallas community. With a combination of government support, philanthropy, insurance reimbursements, research grants, and investment income, Parkland is well-positioned to continue its legacy of providing exceptional healthcare services for years to come.
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Old Parkland's history and redevelopment
Old Parkland, formerly known as Parkland Memorial Hospital, has a rich history that began over a century ago in 1894. It was Dallas County's public hospital and served the medical needs of the growing city. The original hospital was located in a wooden building on a 17-acre meadow at Oak Lawn and Maple avenues, and its name was derived from the land it occupied, which was initially intended to be a park.
In 1913, a brick building replaced the wooden structure, and this became the first hospital brick building erected in Texas. Over the years, Parkland Memorial Hospital expanded and evolved, moving to Harry Hines in 1954 and later to its third and current location across the street from the second location. The hospital has been at the forefront of medical innovation, establishing one of the first high-risk antenatal units in the nation and the first neonatal intensive care unit in North Texas.
However, as the city of Dallas continued to grow and the hospital's patient volume increased, the need for a new facility arose. The Dallas County Commissioners Court proposed replacing the old building with a modern, spacious facility to accommodate the growing demands. This proposal culminated in the development of the New Parkland Hospital, which officially opened in 2015. The new facility boasts a 1,700,000-square-foot, 17-story structure with 862 beds, a large outpatient centre, an office facility, and parking for thousands of cars.
The Old Parkland site was then purchased by Crow Holdings, a privately owned real estate investment and development firm, in 2006. They restored and renovated the Old Main building, originally constructed in 1913, and relocated their corporate headquarters there in 2008. Since then, the campus has expanded, attracting businesses, foundations, and civic leaders, and becoming a premier address. The original Old Parkland building has been designated a Dallas Historic Landmark, preserving its legacy and recognising its significance in the city's history.
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Frequently asked questions
Parkland Memorial Hospital, located in Dallas, Texas, was established on May 19, 1894, making it over 125 years old.
No, the hospital has had three locations since its inception. It moved to Harry Hines in 1954 and to its current location in 2015.
The original Parkland Memorial Hospital building, known as Old Parkland, is a designated historical landmark in Dallas. It was built in 1913 and served as a county hospital for over a century. The building was later renovated and became the corporate headquarters of Crow Holdings in 2008.
