$275M investment planned for Methodist University Hospital

The Methodist Healthcare Board of Directors has approved a plan to file a certificate of need for a master campus plan for Methodist University Hospital, the system’s flagship hospital.

Methodist expects to file the certificate of need in February with a hearing expected to come in May, said Mary Alice Taylor, Senior Communications Specialist for the health care system.

If approved, the plan will modernize the hospital, enhance the patient- and family-centered care experience and relocate services that ultimately will improve patient flow.

The expansion will include a 440,000-square-foot addition that will create room to upgrade services within the hospital, as well as provide state-of-the-art medical technology.

“Part of the new building will be built on top of the current emergency department with a connection to a new building to be built on a parking lot across the street,” Taylor said.

The upgrade of services will include oncology, transplant and outpatient programs into a new centralized area. The plan is meant to increase efficiency for staff, patients and visitors.

Adjacent to the building will be a new parking garage with construction expected to begin in February. The 700-space garage will increase campus parking by more than 100 spaces. Garage construction doesn’t require state approval.

The new open campus will mean additional green space for visitors and family members to enjoy while serving to beautify the community, Taylor said.

If the certificate of need is approved by the State Health Services and Development Agency, construction could begin in fall 2016. It is expected to take more than three years to complete.