Bob Gomes, CEO of the St. Charles Medical Centers in Bend and Redmond, Ore., said population growth in Central Oregon and the introduction of more complex surgeries at the hospital has produced capacity issues for both critical and inpatient beds, according to the report.
So far in 2016, the hospital has diverted 200 critical care patients to hospitals in Portland when its 18-bed critical care unit was at capacity. The new tower will increase the number of critical care beds to between 32 and 36 beds.
During a second phase of construction, the hospital will add a short-stay observation unit with 30 to 40 beds on the third and fourth floors of the new tower. These beds are designed for patients who are expected to stay in the hospital for less than 48 hours, according to the report.
The hospital plans to add 30 to 40 additional nurses and several new physicians to staff the tower.
More articles on facilities management:
St. Luke’s requests air quality permit to construct Nampa hospital
University of Michigan Health System adds $3.6M mental health unit
Riley Hospital for Children seeks to expand access across Indiana
