McAllen, TX – McAllen Medical Center, South Texas Health System’s largest acute care facility location, is headed for big change, as a 15-month and $22.7 million renovation begins. The last major update to the hospital occurred in 1993 with the addition of the seventh and eighth floor. South Texas Health System’s McAllen Medical Center first opened to the public in 1985.

The most noticeable change will occur first, as the exterior of “El Hospital Blanco” (as the hospital is commonly referred to as by locals) goes from sterile white to a more contemporary and warm color palette. Patient room, nurse station, lobby and dining renovations, as well as exterior and interior wayfinding upgrades and infrastructure updates will complete the transformation of the 441-bed facility.

“The quality of the facility will now match the quality of the healthcare provided inside. This location has been at the forefront of change. It was the first to offer services such as open-heart surgery, one-day cardiac catheterization and magnetic resonance imaging. It is home to the Valley’s first neonatal intensive care unit and neonatal surgery center, and it is the designated Level III Trauma Center for Hidalgo County. South Texas Health System’s McAllen Medical Center sponsors the oldest residency program in Hidalgo County, and it continues to unveil new technology, new programs, and set the bar for emergency care,” said Todd Mann, Chief Executive Officer of the campus. “But even with all of these accomplishments, judgements may be made based on looks alone. That’s just reality. McAllen Medical Center was ahead of its time when it was built, but 32 years later, leadership feels that it is time to redefine, renovate and rebrand. Just like the city that surrounds it, McAllen Medical Center is embracing change.”

“The patient experience is important to us,” said Candi Constantine, Chief Nursing Officer for South Texas Health System. “Some of the areas of improvement we’ve identified from various patient and visitor surveys are related to the perception of cleanliness, quietness and safety. We needed to do more to enhance the environment. In particular, the patient and nursing area renovations will translate to an overall better patient experience.”  

Patient room renovations will include new flooring, new ceilings and grid, updated headwalls, doors, LED lighting, showers, toilets and bathroom floors, as well as new paint and shades. In the dining area, new booths will be created, ceilings will be raised and refreshing colors will invite visitors to relax. The lobby will feature a new reception desk, raised ceiling heights and new finishes. Nurses stations will enhance the workflow and feature color-coded signage to help direct visitors.

The project’s expected completion timeframe is March 2018.

Keep checking back with www.mcallenmedicalcenter.com and the McAllen Medical Center Facebook page for progress updates.