BEND, OR -- The St. Charles Health System Board of Directors has approved changes to plans for the new Intensive Care tower at the Bend hospital. Amid shrinking profits, officials announced last month they were looking to scale back some of the project to save on operating costs.
The three-story tower will now have 24 ICU beds on the first floor, with 28 in-patient beds on the second floor. Original plans for the tower included up to 36 ICU beds. “Shell space” for future use will be constructed on the lower level. St. Charles' Chief Financial Officer says it’s the best way to maximize the project’s $66 million budget.
The current ICU will be reserved for future ICU expansion of eight beds. The new tower is expected to open Spring of 2019.
