You've probably driven by the huge new addition to Novant Health Forsyth Medical Center. The hospital on Silas Creek Parkway (across from Hanes Mall) is in the process of building a five-story, 193,480-sqft critical care tower. Here's a look at how it will serve local patients when the project is complete:

Investment in health

The new $222 million wing of the hospital is the fourth and last phase of a $400 million expansion project that has been underway since 2019. Vannoy Construction started building the tower in 2022. It's located on the south part of campus, where the hospital's rehabilitation center once stood.

Focus on flexibility

A big part of the tower's design focuses on streamlining services, especially when it comes to treating complex medical issues. Novant Health chose the Winston-Salem site for its first fully integrated procedure room. It will be on the third floor of the tower and will allow most critical care patients to receive treatment and care all in one place.

You might also hear the new construction, seen on the far right of the campus, referred to as the south tower. | Photo courtesy of Novant Health

The surgical services department will be remodeled and expanded into the first floor of the new tower. The surgical unit will have redesigned operating rooms equipped with the latest technology + new pre- and post-operative care units.

Patient-centered approach

The tower will house 59 critical care rooms and 36 medical-surgical rooms which could be converted quickly to intensive care or isolation rooms when necessary. The space will also feature larger windows to let in more natural light and provide patients more privacy.

The redesigned area for surgical drop-off and pickup will make the process more convenient for patients awaiting surgery and their return home. Family members and guests will notice a brighter and more spacious waiting room.

The critical care tower is slated to open in the first quarter of 2025. Interior renovations are expected through 2027.