Geisinger has broken ground on a major expansion that will nearly double the size of Wyoming Valley Medical Center in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., a spokesperson for the system told Becker's.
The nearly $900 million expansion and renovation will build a 11-story patient tower and increase the hospital's capacity for emergency medicine, critical and trauma care, surgical services and advanced cardiovascular programs.
The project will transition the hospital to 100% private rooms, add 58 medical/surgical inpatient beds and 22 emergency treatment rooms, create dedicated emergency room space for behavioral health patients, add 24 intensive care unit beds and six operating rooms.
Between 2023 and 2028, the region's 65 and older population, which generally needs more healthcare services and resources, is expected to grow by 11%, according to Geisinger.
"Growing to meet the needs of northeastern Pennsylvanians is driven by our focus to make better health easier for the communities we serve," Geisinger President and CEO Terry Gilliland, MD, said in a news release. "No one should have to leave this area for the care they need, and we can ensure that by investing in advanced facilities, programs and technology right here in Luzerne County."
The first phase of the project, encompassing the tower and adjacent base that expands and renovates the ER, is expected to be completed in 2028.
Renovations to other areas of the campus will continue through 2030.