St. Mary’s Hospital breaks ground on $370 million wing to meet growing Richmond population
VENN
HENRICO COUNTY, Va. (WRIC) -- Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital in Henrico County broke ground on the $370 million, eight-story Critical Care Tower on Tuesday.
It's the largest St. Mary's expansion since opening nearly 60 years ago and addresses an aging and growing population in Greater Richmond.
Hospital staff ceremonially kick off the project after turning the dirt on Tuesday, Oct. 7, where Bon Secours will trade an existing parking lot and its original entrance for an intensive care unit expansion from 35 to 64 total beds.
Oct. 7 groundbreaking at Bon Secours St. Mary's Hospital in Henrico County. (Photo: 8News)
"As we construct this new tower, it will not only double our ICU capacity, but better position us to serve future generations to come," said St. Mary's Hospital President Bryan Lee.
Its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) bassinets will also grow from 21 to 31 in total, moving permanently from its current open bay unit to adding a smaller open concept and private rooms.
"The need for critical care is also growing," Lee said. "Today, we do not have enough critical care beds in Richmond."
A rendering of Bon Secours' project at St. Mary's Hospital.
A rendering of what Bon Secours' project at St. Mary's Hospital may look like when completed.
A rendering of what Bon Secours' project at St. Mary's Hospital may look like when completed.
Changes can already be felt. The old ADA parking spaces have already been moved near the hospital's southside entrance. Soon, there will be a bridge connecting the hospital's south tower to the new care tower.
Walking across the old to the new, patients will find their rooms outfitted with A.I. for speed of information in "smart rooms."
"As our team and caregivers are trying to ensure that we create the best plan of care for our patients," Lee said. "This technology will ensure they have the information as readily available as possible."
Bon Secours is keeping its eye on opening the tower in 2028, but this fall, the foundation will take shape.
