With a spirit of generosity and compassion for children, Mary Ranken Jordan established the Ranken Jordan Home for Convalescent Crippled Children in 1941 to care for children suffering from polio, osteomyelitis and bone tuberculosis. Mary spent many hours at Ranken Jordan as she fulfilled her dream of helping children with complex medical needs. 

 

In the 1960s, Ranken Jordan expanded to 26 beds with a larger staff and additional space to care for even more children.  

 

As medical science advanced, the number of children with increasing complex medical conditions grew. This elevated the need for more state-of-the-art equipment and highly specialized clinical professionals. To meet these needs, Ranken Jordan transitioned its licensing to “children’s hospital” in 2002 and set its sights on a new home.  

 

Becoming a licensed hospital was the first step in opening the door to helping more children with complex care needs. The next step was to build a larger, more modern facility. In 2004, Ranken Jordan moved into a new 62,000-square-foot, 34-bed facility in Maryland Heights, Missouri, as a fully accredited, licensed hospital. Its groundbreaking design incorporated the most advanced medical technology with kid-friendly, playful elements to inspire hope and healing in children and families.  

 

With the new facility came a new name that better reflects our unique care model: Ranken Jordan Pediatric Bridge Hospital. Ranken Jordan is the first and only specialized pediatric hospital in Missouri and one of only a few in the country.  

 

Before long, the 34 beds in the new facility filled quickly and a waiting list grew. Over the next few years, it became clear that Ranken Jordan must expand again so we could help more children who needed us. We answered the call. In 2018, Ranken Jordan doubled its capacity to 60 beds with a three-story, 75,000-square-foot expansion. We also expanded outpatient services for the community. 

 

The much-needed expansion brought the addition of a large indoor playground, a rock climbing wall, two functional kitchens, and more therapy and recreational space. Other additions included an adaptive outdoor recreational area with a fully accessible ball field, a putting green and a walking path. The expanded facility is designed to encourage patients to get out of their rooms and engage in more social interaction and play.  

 

With every addition over the years, children have been at the center of all decisions, following the philosophy of our founder, Mary Ranken Jordan. Her vision was to care for kids beyond the bedside—a vision our team wholeheartedly embraces.  

 

Mary passed away in 1962 at age 93. In remembrance of her love of roses and gardening, therapeutic gardens for children and families bloom across the Ranken Jordan campus. 

 

While much has changed with Ranken Jordan’s physical facilities, Mary’s mission and dedication to hope remains as we continue to innovate for the best outcomes for the children we serve.