Laredo Medical Center Announces Major Expansion Project
Estimated $22 million to be invested in ER and ICU

LAREDO, TX (Nov. 5, 2009) - Officials at Laredo Medical Center today announced a main campus development project which is set to begin Spring 2010 and involves the expansion of both the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit.

Phase One of the plans call for the Emergency Department to increase from 28 to 38 private treatment rooms and will be designed with patients, staff and physicians’ needs in mind. The Unit will have specialty areas dedicated to trauma, OB, orthopedics, cardiac and a fast track area for minor illness/injury. In addition, the new ER will have enhanced privacy amenities such as patient/physician consultation rooms and bedside registration. Patients and their families will also have access to a larger reception area. 

Phase Two of the project will be the development of a new Intensive Care Unit. Plans call for the ICU to almost double in size and expand from 22 to 40 beds. The Unit will offer patients spacious rooms with window views as well as enhanced technology to support the hospital's most critically ill patients. 

"With the growth we are experiencing in Laredo and the surrounding area, LMC is committed to investing in enhancements that meet our community’s needs," said Tim Schmidt, Laredo Medical Center CEO. "LMC operates the largest and busiest ER and ICU in the area. During our construction, the current ED will remain open and fully operational while the new ED is being built.  We look forward to expanding our facilities to meet the demand for our services.”

“This is a significant investment in our community,” said Dr. Ricardo Castillon, LMC Chief of Staff.  “We are proud of LMC’s ongoing commitment to bringing medical advancements to our patients and enhancing quality care in Laredo.” 

Architect for the expansion project is Earl Swensson Associates of Nashville, TN. and Construction manager is Robins & Morton, of Brentwood, TN.

For more information on project developments call 796-3223 or visit our website at www.laredomedical.com/commitment.

Laredo Medical Center is a licensed 326-bed healthcare facility that offers a wide array of sophisticated medical care in an attractive, welcoming environment that helps to promote healing... ‘close to home.’  The 650,000-square-foot complex is located on a 50-acre campus on Saunders Street and Meadow Avenue.