Dignity Health — Mercy Hospital Southwest in Bakersfield, California, has opened a new tower that more than doubles the number of patient beds from 82 to 188 and provides increased intensive care unit capacity for the area’s fastest growing community.
The $350 million construction project at the CommonSpirit Health hospital campus represents “a renewed commitment to patient care for the growing westside community of Bakersfield,” according to Mercy Hospitals President and CEO Simon Ratliff.
With the addition that opened Dec. 8, the hospital expanded its intensive care and neonatal intensive care units, added six operating rooms, increased its neurosurgery capabilities, enhanced its imaging and women’s services and added parking. The tower opening is part of a broader campus redesign that leaders expect will improve flow and reduce emergency room crowding.
The Friends of Mercy Foundation has raised about $47 million toward the campus redesign and tower construction costs. Of the funds, $560,000 came directly from Mercy Southwest employees.