New hospital is now open in La Crosse

LA CROSSE, Wis. — Mayo Clinic leaders and community officials today celebrated the completion of a new Mayo Clinic Health System hospital in La Crosse which blends advanced technology with personalized care to bring an unparalleled experience to patients and equip staff with the tools to cure more patients, connect people with data to create new knowledge and scalable solutions and transform community care.

With patient comfort and safety as top priorities, the new $215 million, six-level, 96-bed facility replaces the current hospital and features:

• Spacious inpatient rooms that use natural light to support a healing environment
• State-of-the-art imaging equipment that is safer and more comfortable for patients and enhances the care team's ability to diagnose and plan treatment
• Comfortable labor, delivery, recovery and postpartum suites where new mothers and their babies can remain throughout their stay
• Digital door displays connected to the electronic health record that are updated in real time to give staff valuable patient information

"Forward-looking facilities that exemplify Mayo Clinic values close to home are a key part of our Mayo Clinic Health System Bold. Forward. 2030 strategy," says Prathibha Varkey, M.B.B.S., president, Mayo Clinic Health System. "We are thrilled to enrich the wellness and health of our community through this new hospital and provide an inspiring work environment for our hardworking, outstanding staff."

The La Crosse hospital is the largest construction project in the history of Mayo Clinic Health System and includes:

• Cardiac care
• Radiology and imaging
• Medical-surgical units
• An intensive care unit
• A new family birth center and a special care nursery
• A surgical and procedural floor connected to existing operating rooms in the Center for Advanced Medicine and Surgery, with presurgery and postsurgery recovery rooms
• A rooftop helipad
• Space for future growth and technology

The building's flexible design supports care team collaboration and integration of the care patients receive in person and across digital platforms. As patient needs change, the hospital’s design allows spaces to evolve to meet those future needs.

"Today marks a significant milestone for Mayo Clinic Health System and the La Crosse community," says Gianrico Farrugia, M.D., president and CEO, Mayo Clinic. "The new hospital, together with the recently opened tower in Mankato, Minnesota, stands as a testament to a new kind of community healthcare and as a blueprint for the transformation of medical infrastructure."

"We are excited to open this beautiful new hospital, enhancing our ability to care for patients in this region," says Richard Helmers, M.D., regional vice president, Mayo Clinic Health System in Wisconsin. "This hospital sets a new standard for community health systems with digitally enabled spaces designed for convenience, safety and quality now and in the future."

Sustainability was a key focus in the design and construction. Architects used green building solutions such as an energy-efficient exterior, LED lighting, finishes made from recycled materials and individual room cooling. The new hospital also has a geothermal heating and cooling system, which uses groundwater to regulate temperature. It is 24% more energy efficient than traditional systems and produces 42% fewer greenhouse gas emissions. As a result, the hospital will use significantly less energy than the healthcare industry standard.

"Our staff is loving the new space as we prepare to move in," says Lisa Archer, chief nursing officer, Mayo Clinic Health System in Southwest Wisconsin. "They look forward to providing exceptional care to our patients in a modern, healing environment. We extend our sincere gratitude to our staff for their dedication and integral role in designing the new hospital from inception to completion. Their input has truly shaped the hospital into a place where innovation meets expert care."

Community members are invited to tour the new La Crosse hospital and explore its advanced technology and services during a community open house on Aug. 25 from 1 to 4 p.m.

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Press Contact

Rick Thiesse
e-mail: thiesse.ricky@mayo.edu
phone: 608-392-9425