Baptist Medical Center South celebrates "topping out"

Residents of South Jacksonville will soon have expanded access to health care as the new patient tower at Baptist South reaches its highest point of construction or "topping out." Baptist South patients, employees and physicians signed the final beam which was ceremoniously raised to the top of the new building.

When the new tower opens in mid-2018, it will add 138 patient beds, bringing Baptist South's total number of beds to 407. The hospital opened with just 92 beds in 2005. The architect for the tower is Gresham, Smith and Partners and the contractor is Batson-Cook Company.

"This is an exciting time, demonstrating the tremendous growth Baptist South has experienced since opening as one of the first all-digital hospitals in America," said Hugh Greene, president and CEO of Baptist Health. "This significant expansion enables Baptist South to fulfill its mission to the rapidly growing southside of Jacksonville."

The interior of the first four floors will be constructed first and will provide expanded surgical space, additional Labor and Delivery patient rooms and enhanced radiology services. The remaining floors will be completed as needed to keep pace with the growing need for health care services in the area.

To accommodate more patients and visitors, Baptist South is building a five-story parking garage with 1,300 complimentary parking spaces, which will open in August 2017. The hospital also plans to build a third five-story medical office building, which will house primary care and specialty physicians' offices. The cost for the expansion, including the new tower, is $131 million.

"This new expansion will allow us to care for even more patients who need us," said Hospital President Nicole Thomas. "We're committed to providing our local residents with the medical care they need close to home."