LA CROSSE, Wis. (WEAU) – Mayo Clinic Health System has completed most construction on its new 96-bed hospital in La Crosse.

The new hospital, funded by Mayo, cost $215 million to build and will replace the hospital next door. The old hospital was built in 1918 and expanded in 1980.

Tanner Holst, chairman of the Mayo Clinic’s regional administration, says he and other Mayo Clinic officials have waited a long time for this project to be completed.

“It’s the result of years of planning. I’ve personally worked for Mayo for 25 years and in some ways I’ve been involved in this project throughout my career here,” says Holst.

New features at the hospital include new communications systems and a rooftop helipad. Mayo Clinic nurses say they are excited to work in the new environment.

“The most exciting thing about this new facility with all the space is that you come in and everything is brand new. It’s great. We’re getting new equipment and some improvements that will help us take better care of sick patients,” says Mayo Clinical Resource Nurse Beth Komay.

Many of the rooms in the new hospital also offer more space than other rooms at the La Crosse Mayo Clinic hospital.

“One of the things we’ve learned during the Covid pandemic is that patients and families can connect and have visitors here in the room. We can accommodate a large number of people, whereas in the old facility we might have accommodated three or four,” says Mayo Chief Nursing Officer Kristine Jimenez.

Mayo Clinic officials say the improvements will improve workflows and reduce the time required to care for patients.

“It’s a far more efficient facility. Our old facility was outdated. When I talk to leaders in the community, I talk about how in many ways this is about replacing our old facility, but also about raising the standard for technology in a new hospital,” Holst says.

Mayo Clinic officials say the new hospital not only provides staff with a lot of new and modern equipment, but also offers numerous benefits to the community.

“This is definitely a sign that Mayo is committed to community care not only in the city of La Crosse itself, but in this region for the long haul. We are here to stay, and I definitely think this solidifies our future,” Holst says.

The clinic is holding an open day on Sunday where the public can tour the hospital. The hospital is scheduled to open in September.

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