Portland-based Oregon Health & Science University's board of directors approved a $650 million expansion to its hospital Oct. 29, which was delayed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The 26,000-square-foot project will add 184 new beds, including 152 inpatient medical and surgical beds and space for an additional 32 beds. This increases capacity by about a third, according to an OHSU press release.
Adult inpatient operating rooms will also increase from 25 to 31. Newborn intensive care and delivery services will be expanded.
The hospital operates at or near capacity frequently, a problem that existed before the pandemic, the press release said.
Construction will begin in spring 2022 and is expected to be completed in 2026.
"The Hospital Expansion Project is an opportunity for OHSU to serve even more Oregon residents, and I am pleased that our board of directors supports this transformational effort that will benefit so many," said President Danny Jacobs, MD.