Construction has begun on Methodist University Hospital’s $280 million master campus plan following an October groundbreaking ceremony at the corner of Eastmoreland and Bellevue. The modernization project is expected to be completed in the first quarter of 2019.

“Our master campus plan will be a catalyst for transforming health care for patients in Memphis, the Mid-South and beyond,” said Michael Ugwueke, COO and president for Methodist Healthcare. “The new tower will be designed to provide significant improvement in the patient care experience by enhancing flow and efficiency. The centralization of transplant services and the opening a new cancer center will continue to advance our mission of providing high-quality healthcare to all patients.”

The project includes a 440,000-square-foot addition in the form of a tower, which will create room to upgrade services within the hospital, as well as provide state-of-the-art medical technology. The upgrade of services consolidates oncology, transplant and outpatient programs into a new centralized area that will increase efficiency for medical staff and caregivers while improving the healthcare experience for patients, family and visitors.

Highlights of the $280 million master campus plan include:

• Consolidation of all transplant services into a two-floor inpatient/outpatient comprehensive Transplant Institute.

• Combining the West Cancer Center location on Union Avenue with hospital-based inpatient and surgical services, creating one comprehensive cancer center.

• State-of-the-art patient tower featuring large private rooms and enhancing efficiency for physicians and nurses.

• Consolidating outpatient care in the new tower, making these services easily accessible from the newly constructed parking plaza.

• Newly constructed parking plaza will provide 700 parking spaces for safe access directly into the new patient tower. Valet parking will continue to be provided for the convenience of patients, family members and visitors.

• Demolition of the Crews Wing will allow space for two gardens which will provide green space and a healing environment for patients and families.

A key component of the project involves the hospital’s transplant program. The expanded facilities and improved technology will provide the foundation for building a research program and progressive, healing environment for patients and families. An anonymous gift in 2015 will be used for groundbreaking research centered on further improving outcomes for transplant patients and elevating the patient-and family-centered care experience.