Piedmont Atlanta Hospital opening Buckhead expansion several months early

ATLANTA — Piedmont Atlanta Hospital will be opening its new tower on April 13, almost four months early. The hospital had already received its certificate to open its Buckhead hospital expansion months ahead of schedule.

Piedmont told Channel 2 Action News that the 400 bed, 10 operating room high rise hospital is needed as Piedmont prepared for a surge in critical intensive care unit space due to the coronavirus pandemic.

A hospital spokesperson said they are actively working to get the equipment and furnishing needed to pen the first nursing unit in the Marcus Tower. It was previously scheduled to open in August.

The state fears we will hit a peak around April 23 that will overwhelm hospitals.

[MORE: Special section on the latest on coronavirus in Georgia]

They also said the healthcare center is in an "aggressive planning mode".

“By opening this part of the tower early, we are increasing capacity at a critical time when our community needs it the most,” said Patrick Battey, M.D., CEO of Piedmont Atlanta Hospital. “Getting these beds ready for patients who may need them during the COVID-19 outbreak was the right thing to do, and I am proud of the staff at Piedmont and our partners on the project who made it happen.”

When the rest of the tower opens in August, it will house the Piedmont Heart Institute, the new Marcus Heart and Vascular Center, the Samsky Invasive Cardiovascular Services Center, and the Shaheen Auditorium. The 16-story tower will feature technologically-advanced operating rooms, cardiac labs, critical and acute care facilities, and up to 408 beds.

Piedmont is also planning to expand a Columbus, Georgia hospital to add 29 more rooms and more ICU space.

People visiting Piedmont Park encouraged to help keep it clean April 5, 2020

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