Mayo Clinic Health System in Austin, Minn., plans to expand capacity in its progressive care unit by adding beds and transitioning some ICU beds to PCU care, according to a March 9 hospital news release shared with Becker’s.
The change aims to increase access to intermediate-level hospital care in the Austin area.
The expansion includes converting four hospital beds currently assigned for ICU care to PCU beds and adding two new PCU beds. Once completed, the PCU will be able to care for up to nine patients, compared with its current capacity of three, according to the release.
The PCU, which opened in late 2024, provides advanced monitoring and treatment for patients who require closer observation than a general hospital unit can provide, but do not need ICU-level care.
Hospital leaders said demand for PCU services has grown since the unit opened. Expanding the PCU will allow more patients to receive this level of care locally while maintaining access to ICU services when needed.
The expansion is expected to be completed by November. After the change, Austin patients who require ICU-level care will be transferred to Mayo Clinic Health System in Mankato, Minn., or Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minn., both of which offer comprehensive ICU services.
The hospital said no jobs will be eliminated as part of the transition.
Mayo Clinic Health System operates community hospitals, clinics and other facilities in Minnesota and Wisconsin and is part of Rochester, Minn.-based Mayo Clinic.
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.