Baton Rouge (La.) General Medical Center is planning to construct a new $30 million hospital in Prairieville, La. and complete a $40 million expansion of its existing critical care tower at Bluebonnet Hospital in Baton Rouge, according to The Advocate.
The 65,000-square-foot expansion at Bluebonnet Hospital will add four floors, a helipad, operating room space and amenities for overnight visitors. The new neighborhood hospital, Baton Rouge General Ascension, will have a lab, 10 inpatient beds, a 14-bed emergency department, physician practices and office space. Its name is derived from being in the Ascension Parish area.
BRG said the new hospital will have a layout that is efficient for the patient. The design will allow patients to self register and then immediately enter into an exam room, which will reduce wait times for patients and lower staffing costs.
Both projects are in the design phase and are expected to be completed in 2019. BRG plans to fund the projects with a bond issue.