What was your main priority in the development of this new hospital?
The Wilson Main Tower was designed with patient privacy as the driving force. The modernization of the UHS Wilson Medical Center campus, with private patient rooms and bathrooms, makes a huge difference in the healing and recovery process. In addition to the 120 new private patient rooms, we also set out to expand and modernize the Emergency and Trauma Center and create an in-house MRI suite with the latest innovations and diagnostic tools.
What was the overall sentiment on taking on the largest expansion and investment in UHS history?
We knew that we needed to transform our delivery of care on the Wilson Medical Center campus. The global pandemic slowed us down a bit; however, we recognized that re-envisioning our flagship hospital was essential. Our team of employees across the system came together like never before to bring this project to life.
The hospital opened on June 26, 2024, after a yearslong planning and construction process. What had to be adjusted during that time?
We faced numerous challenges throughout the design and construction process, especially since much of that time was also spent navigating the pandemic. Ensuring patient privacy and the clear division between clinical care areas and staff support spaces was a top priority, now reflected in the Wilson Main Tower.
How did you feel on opening day?
I felt a huge sense of accomplishment for the UHS team that made this happen. Team UHS persevered through a challenging period and I couldn’t be prouder of what we delivered to the community.
How did the Wilson Main Tower improve UHS?
The Wilson Main Tower brings together many healing elements:
- Privacy for patients and families
- Quieter clinical environment
- An abundance of natural light in each inpatient room
The tower features a more modern clinical facility, including:
- A rooftop helipad
- An inpatient MRI
- An expanded Emergency Department and Trauma Center
With its strategic location facing Main Street, the tower is easily accessible, offering convenient options such as:
- Free valet parking
- Easy drop-off and pick-up
- A Main Street Café
- Ambassadors to guide patients and visitors
Lastly, our new hospital acts as a dynamic recruitment tool for skilled healthcare professionals. Prospective employees will see this tower as evidence of UHS’s commitment to healthcare, patient care, and investment in a state-of-the-art facility for our staff, providers and community. We are confident that this exceptional clinical building will attract top-tier talent.
Will there be any additions or enhancements?
Our teams continue to work diligently to get Wilson Main Tower 5 open in November for our oncology patients, and Main Tower 6 will open by the end of the year for our cardiology patients.
What are your feelings now that you have passed the first 100 days?
I’m so glad that we pushed through the pandemic and kept our commitment to create our new hospital in Johnson City! The UHS Wilson Main Tower represents a new era in healthcare.
Take a tour of Wilson Main Tower
and learn more about the project at nyuhs.org/wilson-project.
