BOSTON – Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center (BIDMC) today launched construction of a new inpatient building that will further advance its mission to deliver extraordinary patient care, supported by world-class research and education. Leaders from BIDMC and Beth Israel Lahey Health joined clinicians, staff, patients, city officials, philanthropic supporters and community members for a celebratory groundbreaking event to mark the beginning of the construction process.
Located at the corner of Francis Street and Pilgrim Road on BIDMC's West Campus, the new building will include 158 single-bedded, family-friendly patient rooms; leading-edge surgical and diagnostic suites; a medical helicopter landing pad; and a rooftop green space and healing garden.
"This new building will further strengthen our ability to deliver the highest quality care to our patients and fully support our committed physicians, nurses and staff," said Peter Healy, President of BIDMC. "This new structure will propel Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center forward in delivering on our commitments to the people and communities we serve. We are proud to be at the forefront of innovation in health care – for the benefit of our patients, our communities and our region."
The ten-story, approximately 345,000 square foot structure will be 'wired for the future' to accommodate sophisticated technology, advanced treatments and team-based care. The building has been designed to be energy efficient and environmentally sustainable, consistent with BIDMC's commitment to environmental stewardship.
"Today's groundbreaking is the culmination of two years of planning and community engagement," said Walter Armstrong, Senior Vice President Capital Facilities and Engineering at BIDMC. "We are deeply grateful for the support and thoughtful input of our physicians, staff, patients and the Longwood area community, as well as from the City of Boston, Massachusetts Department of Public Health and our design and construction partners."
"This new building will rise from BIDMC's extraordinary ability to collaborate and innovate, our research and educational missions and our primary commitment to exceptional, compassionate care for all," said Kevin Tabb, MD, President and CEO of Beth Israel Lahey Health. "In coming together today, we celebrate both the foundation of a new physical structure and the infinite possibilities of what Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center and Beth Israel Lahey Health can be – and the difference we will make in health care together."
As part of the building process, BIDMC has embarked a Community-based Health Initiative to identify and invest in important community health priorities, with a focus on the Allston/Brighton, Bowdoin/Geneva, Chinatown, Fenway/Kenmore and Roxbury/Mission Hill neighborhoods of Boston, as well the City of Chelsea.
