A proposal to implement a series of facility upgrades and improvements to the big University Medical Center of El Paso is currently under review.
If ultimately approved by members of the El Paso County Commission, the healthcare facility located at 4815 Alameda Avenue could see up to $400 million in work.
That $400 million would come in the form of certificates of obligation and would pay for such things as expanding the hospital’s emergency room and cancer center. Additional work is expected to include upgrades to the center’s ambulatory surgery services space and burn operating rooms.
The proposal, as presented by the El Paso County Hospital District, also calls for the expansion of clinic services targeting residents in El Paso’s Central and Mission Valley areas, with an emphasis on geriatrics.
The certificates of obligation, if ultimately given the green light by the county commission, do not by law have to go to voters for a final approval.
Launched in 1915 as the El Paso General Hospital, the University Medical Center with nearly 500 licensed beds, annually sees more than 19,000 admissions. The main UMC hospital was completed in 1961, with subsequent additions providing more emergency room space undertaken in the last decade.
The El Paso County Commission is expected to review hospital district’s certificates of obligation request next week.
By Garry Boulard
