by
Gus Iversen, Editor in Chief | July 22, 2024
Rendered image of the new seven-story hospital building, which will provide triple the number of single-patient rooms as the current hospital. Credit: SmithGroup
UCSF Benioff Children's Hospital Oakland has received final approval for a $1.49 billion hospital building, set to significantly enhance pediatric care in the Bay Area. The University of California Board of Regents approved the project on July 18.
This new facility is part of UCSF Health’s plan to modernize the historic pediatric safety net hospital, which has been serving Oakland families for over a century. Nicholas Holmes, president of UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospitals, emphasized the hospital's commitment to providing top-tier care to all children, regardless of socioeconomic status. "We are investing in this hospital to expand access to world-class care for any child for generations to come," Holmes stated.
Slated to open in 2030, the seven-story, 277,500-square-foot building will feature an expanded emergency department, advanced imaging and surgical services, a new neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), and seven new surgical suites. The facility will triple the number of single-patient rooms from 39 to 137 and introduce a 20-bed inpatient behavioral health unit.
The hospital will employ sustainable practices, aiming for LEED Gold certification. Features include a 35% reduction in water usage, 120 electric vehicle charging stations, and bicycle parking. The new structure is designed to be seismically sound, ensuring safety and resilience.
Suresh Gunasekaran, president and CEO of UCSF Health, highlighted the project's potential to broaden access to innovative, culturally responsive pediatric healthcare. "Having facilities that enable and reflect the world-class care provided within is a critical part of our commitment to the care teams at the hospital," Gunasekaran said.
The hospital building is the centerpiece of a $1.62 billion modernization initiative on the 11-acre Oakland campus. Additional projects include a new administrative building, updated MR equipment, renovations in existing structures, infrastructure upgrades, a new parking garage, and a relocated helistop.
UCSF Chancellor Sam Hawgood noted the project's economic benefits, including thousands of well-paid construction jobs and future career opportunities in healthcare. UCSF Health has committed to hiring union workers and partnering with training programs to prepare local apprentices for the project.
The UC Regents also certified the Environmental Impact Report, adopted the California Environmental Quality Act Findings, and approved UCSF’s Long Range Development Plan for the area, securing the project's compliance with environmental and developmental standards.
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