Northside Hospital Expansion: Transforming Health in Atlanta

In June 2020, Atlanta’s Northside Hospital announced a $400 million, 10-story patient tower expansion to their Gwinnett campus. The facility plans included 132 inpatient beds and at least 5,000 new jobs for the Northside workforce. Because of heightened demand, the project scope became even more extensive in December of the same year.

What are the details of the Northside Hospital Expansion Plan?

The updated plan will add seven more floors and 146 routine inpatient care and intensive care patient rooms to the tower, bringing the total to 17 stories with capacity for 696 beds. Because of the added square footage, this will also necessitate approximately 1,000 extra jobs.

Once construction is complete, the Northside Hospital’s Gwinnett campus will be the largest site in their system. The tower will also be in the running for the largest building in Gwinnett Country with a height of 257 feet and six inches (it could potentially lose that title to the Sonesta Gwinnett Place Atlanta hotel, which has at least 15 floors).

Project approval was granted from the Georgia Department of Community Health in December of last year. Because the hospital is located near Briscoe Field and will be more than 200 feet tall, Northside must also receive approval from the Federal Aviation Administration before construction on the new floors can proceed. Work on the tower’s foundation is already underway.

Why is the Expansion Necessary?: Gwinnett County’s growing population

Gwinnett Country is one of the fastest growing areas of Georgia, adding an estimated 14,000 residents since 2021. According to data from the Atlanta Regional Commission, the county is close to surpassing more than 1 million residents. And the numbers show no signs of slowing down. Gwinnett’s estimated population growth is 1.4 percent, just above the 11-county region-wide growth of 1.3 percent.

As Gwinnett County’s population increases, there’s a growing demand for inpatient beds, a need that was already high because of the global pandemic. The hope is that the updated expansion accommodates not only the current resident needs but can also handle the anticipated future growth. Northside administrators view the expansion as a commitment to having the space that patients deserve and providing the highest possible level of healthcare service.

Are there other expansion plans in addition to the new patient tower?

While the new patient tower is the part of the expansion receiving the most attention, it’s not the only addition to the Northside Gwinnett campus. There will be a new parking deck and medical office tower. Construction on both projects has already begun and is expected to be completed in the summer of this year.

When is the Atlanta Northside Hospital patient tower expansion expected to be complete?

Upon the roll-out of the first tower expansion, construction was anticipated to wrap up in 2025. While administrators are holding firm to this date, even with the added floors, one thing that is changing is the price. The original $400 million price tag is increasing by another $400 million, bringing the total to $800 million.

The Logistics of Moving and Relocating Medical Facilities

With added space comes more capabilities and some departmental shuffling and rearranging. Those expecting relocation include the current intensive care unit moving into the new tower and pre-op services moving into the former ICU. Making these shifts in a business setting is complicated, but moving medical spaces brings added complexities. That’s because the logistics aren’t limited to just furniture and equipment; it involves coordinating record management, relocating a large number of employees, communicating changes to patients, and arranging their transfer.

Making these shifts in a business setting is complicated, but moving medical spaces brings added complexities, even if you are already working on the premises. That’s because the rearranging isn’t limited to just furniture and equipment; it involves coordinating record management, relocating a large number of employees and communicating changes to patients. Managing the transfer while keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly requires the assistance of a knowledgeable moving partner.

Challenges and Considerations for Medical Facility Relocations

Patient Safety and Continuity of Care: Ensuring seamless patient transfers and minimizing disruptions to ongoing treatments.
Medical Equipment Relocation: Safely transporting and reinstalling sensitive medical equipment, including imaging machines, ventilators, and surgical instruments.
Sterilization and Infection Control: Maintaining strict hygiene standards throughout the relocation process to prevent the spread of infections.
Regulatory Compliance: Adhering to healthcare regulations and safety protocols during the move.
Staff Training and Orientation: Providing training to staff on new workflows, equipment, and procedures in the relocated spaces.
IT and Telecommunications: Relocating and reconfiguring IT infrastructure, including network systems, medical devices, and patient records.

Managing the transfer while keeping day-to-day operations running smoothly requires the assistance of a knowledgeable moving partner. If you are thinking of moving your medical facility learn more about relocation with our quick guide on Tips for Moving Your Medical Lab Facility.

Armstrong Atlanta knows what it takes for a successful medical move

Armstrong Atlanta understands the critical nature of medical facility relocations. We recognize the need for precision, efficiency, and adherence to strict regulatory standards to minimize downtime and ensure a smooth transition.

With years of experience in handling large-scale hospital and manufacturing moves in the greater Atlanta area, we’ve honed our expertise to offer a comprehensive suite of relocation services tailored to the specific needs of medical facilities. Our team of professionals is dedicated to providing meticulous attention to detail, ensuring the safe and timely relocation of sensitive medical equipment, patient records, and other essential assets.

Whether you require assistance with medical equipment disassembly, delivery, decommissioning, storage, packing, transportation, or reinstallation, Armstrong Atlanta is your trusted partner. Contact us today at 770.368.0368 or request a free online quote to learn more about how we can help you with your next medical facility relocation.