South Texas Health System Edinburg New Patient Tower Grand Opening
Less than two years after breaking ground, South Texas Health System (STHS) Edinburg’s new 5-story patient tower fully opened in September.
The new patient tower houses the hospital’s main lobby; an enhanced emergency department; a transformed intensive care unit (ICU); and an upgraded radiology department. It also features shell space, including the entire fifth floor, for an additional 55 beds to meet future growth needs. In total, the new tower adds 59 new adult beds, bringing the hospital’s overall bed count to 202.
“The Rio Grande Valley continues to be one of the fastest growing regions in the country, which has led to a greater demand for healthcare services throughout the area. South Texas Health System is dedicated to meeting that need,” said Lance Ames, Chief Executive Officer, STHS Edinburg and STHS Children’s. “Beyond increasing our overall bed capacity for adult patients to meet the need of our growing community, we have also expanded services, including bringing in top notch medical equipment and machinery to raise the level of healthcare in the Valley. It’s our mission to provide the services our patients need without having to leave the region to get them.”
“The Rio Grande Valley continues to be one of the fastest growing regions in the country, which has led to a greater demand for healthcare services throughout the area. South Texas Health System is dedicated to meeting that need”
Lance Ames
Chief Executive Officer, STHS Edinburg and STHS Children’s
Along with meeting the increased need for accessible, quality healthcare in its ever-growing community, STHS Edinburg’s new patient tower has been designed to improve the overall patient experience, as well as improve their safety, including rounded edges in the patient rooms to prevent injury; guardrails leading to the restrooms for fall prevention; scenic backdrops to help create a more calming environment; large windows for increased exposure to sunlight, which can drastically affect a patient’s overall mood and health; and bariatric lifts in select rooms, which allow staff members to safely transfer patients.
“Being in a hospital setting can be extremely stressful for patients and their loved ones. For the design of this new patient tower, the design team worked to create warm and inviting spaces,” said Cat Domian, Chief Nursing Officer, STHS Edinburg and STHS Children’s. “Patients and visitors will be welcomed into a safe, comfortable and relaxing environment that is conducive to healing.”
“For over 30 years, Universal Health Services and our South Texas Health System team have been honored to be part of this thriving community,” said Marc D. Miller, President & CEO, Universal Health Services. “As we plan for our future — and celebrate the opening of this new tower — our most important priorities continue to be the delivery of high-quality patient care, growth in attractive markets and maintaining our reputation as an industry leader and preferred provider, employer and partner. The South Texas story continues. New chapters are yet to be written.”