Christine Alexander-Rager, MD, CEO of Cleveland-based MetroHealth, is tasked with completing the health system's delayed expansion project, cleveland.com reported Dec. 29.
The project is part of MetroHealth's campus transformation plan and includes the construction of the Apex outpatient and administrative facility, which has been delayed. The plan also features the $759 million Glick Center, which opened in 2022.
Dr. Alexander-Rager became president and CEO in October after serving as acting CEO since July. She succeeded Airica Steed, EdD, RN, who went on medical leave and was later dismissed.
Four updates on the project:
1. MetroHealth's board of trustees voted in October to allocate $133 million more to complete the campus project. This includes $93 million to finish the Apex building and $40 million for an outpatient pavilion renovation. The total cost for the Apex building now stands at $224 million, according to cleveland.com.
2. Both the Apex building and the outpatient pavilion are expected to open in early 2026. New aspects of the project include a parking garage, the demolition of several buildings, and an outpatient cancer care facility, Dr. Alexander-Rager told cleveland.com.
3. Originally planned to primarily house administrative offices, the Apex will now function as an outpatient and ambulatory center. It will also include a 24-hour drive-up pharmacy.
4. Construction on the Apex building began in early 2022 but was paused about a year later when it was 55% complete. About 60% of the additional cost is attributed to construction changes, while 40% is due to new equipment, cleveland.com reported.