Carson City, NV… If you’ve been by Carson Tahoe’s Medical Campus lately, you may have noticed a large connector bridge between the Regional Medical Center (RMC) and Sierra Surgery. 2019 marked the start of several major renovations and expansions to the not-for-profit’s medical center campus since opening in 2005. Now, after much dirt was moved, rocks relocated, cranes at work, and steel placed … the new walkway bridge has finally taken shape and the basic structural connection is complete.

After years of planning & budgeting, Carson Tahoe broke ground on several projects in October 2019, beginning the first phase of its ten-year master campus improvements including an expansion of the emergency department and a 2-level enclosed walkway connector between the RMC and Sierra Surgery. The structure now bridges across Eagle Valley Creek, and when complete, it will offer large windowed walls and spectacular views of the surrounding flora and fauna while providing patients, staff, and visitors convenient access between the two buildings. The connector is slated to be completed in 2022.

“Even in the midst of battling a healthcare crisis and worldwide pandemic, construction for the master campus plan didn’t stop.,” said Michelle Joy, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. “Carson Tahoe struck a balance between progress and responding to COVID. Shifting the course when and where needed, combining new processes with age-old empathy, and staying vigilant to the strategic blueprint while adjusting for a new reality.”

Working through 2020 allowed for the addition of eight emergency department (ED) treatment rooms, bringing Carson Tahoe’s ED capacity to 32 rooms, allowing better emergency medical access and timely treatment. The renovation also included a redesigned ambulance entrance. But, that’s not all … the engineering and groundwork has been laid out for a 20,000 sq. ft. expansion of the RMC lower level. When completed this summer, a large portion of this space will be home to a new laboratory.

Lastly, Carson Tahoe Behavioral Health Services Mallory Crisis Center began to expand in 2020, thanks to a generous $800,000 donation from the Mallory Foundation. The expansion brings the total number of patient beds in the crisis center up to 15 as well as adding triage/holding spaces for shorter stay patients, and three extra offices for additional providers.

“While renovation of any medical facility is no easy feat, it’s crucial to expand access to our growing and changing community,” said Christina Sapien, Director of Behavioral Health Services. “Mental Health problems continue to plaque our region, and we recognize the great need for care. The additional space will enhance the support we can offer those experiencing a substance use or mental health crisis.”

While many of these projects are easy to see from the outside, there is also lot of work taking place inside each Carson Tahoe Health facility to keep their services state-of-the-art. A multi-year project to update and energize every patient room is currently underway, pre-op and post-op units have been remodeled to be more efficient, and equipment and technology is continually being updated to meet the healthcare needs of the community.

“As you can see, a lot’s happening here. 2019 was the year of change – from the inside out. 2020 was the year of adapting, of resilience – as the pandemic forced many to shift their plans,” Joy said. “2021 will be the year of hope, progress, and one more year to power our main goal … helping to create a healthy, and thriving community. These investments are one way to ensure we are continually improving the health and well-being of those all around us.”

To learn more about Carson Tahoe Health, visit CarsonTahoe.com.

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About Carson Tahoe Health

Carson Tahoe Health is a local, not-for-profit healthcare system with 240 licensed acute care beds. Serving a population of over 250,000, CTH features two hospitals, two urgent cares, an emergent care center, outpatient services and a provider network with 21 regional locations. The system is headquartered on a beautiful master planned 80-acre medical campus nestled among the foothills of the Sierra Nevada in North Carson City. As the system’s cornerstone, Carson Tahoe Regional Medical Center (CTRMC), voted 5th most beautiful hospital in the nation, was the first Baby-Friendly designated hospital in Nevada. Also included on the campus is Carson Tahoe Sierra Surgery, the 15-bed boutique elective surgery arm of CTRMC, and Carson Tahoe Cancer Center, an affiliate of Huntsman Cancer Institute, University of Utah. For more information, go to www.CarsonTahoe.com.