Houston Methodist West Hospital announced August 27 that the health care company is beginning a $247 million expansion project at their Katy campus located at 18500 Katy Freeway in Houston, scheduled to begin this fall with anticipated completion by 2027.

This project, one of the largest expansion projects in Houston Methodist West Hospital’s 14-year history, includes $185 million for hospital expansion and $62 million for community expansion in the Fulshear area, emphasizing Houston Methodist’s commitment to meeting the growing health care needs of West Houston, particularly in Katy and its surrounding areas.

"We are embarking on this expansion journey with great enthusiasm, reaffirming our dedication to serving the evolving needs of our community," said Wayne M. Voss, CEO of Houston Methodist West Hospital. "This project will significantly elevate our capacity to deliver exceptional care, close to home."

Hospital Expansion:

The expansion encompasses over 129,000 square feet of new and renovated service areas. Key enhancements include:

· Clinical Areas: A 36-bed observation unit, increasing the hospital’s total bed count to 307. Four state-of-the-art operating rooms (ORs), 16 additional emergency department (ED) rooms, five new neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) beds, and a new endoscopy suite. This expansion will also include an infusion center with six additional suites, which have been redesigned with a “spa-like feel,” said Kyle Stanzel, Vice President & Chief Operating Officer said at the August 27 kick-off luncheon. Advanced imaging equipment featuring one MRI, two CT scanners, and ultrasound (US) will also be installed. Stanzel said the hospital is focused on reducing wait times to “near zero” while making patients feel as comfortable as possible.

· Patient and Visitor Services: Enhancements feature a new 24/7 giftshop with grab and go options, and an Einstein’s Bagels location opening on the second floor, replacing the current coffee shop, which will move to the first floor with expanded services and significant upgrades.

Comprehensive Care Center:

Beyond the main campus expansion, Houston Methodist will break ground on a new comprehensive care center near the Fulshear area this fall. Adjacent to its current emergency care center in Cinco Ranch at 26000 FM 1093 in Richmond, a new 65,000 square-foot three-story facility will provide:

· Primary care and same-day clinic

· Imaging, lab services, and physical therapy

· Specialized care in orthopedics, neurology, gastroenterology, urology, and rheumatology

"We are committed to providing the highest level of care to our community. This expansion allows us to better serve our patients with state-of-the-art facilities and comprehensive services," said Stanzel, “We are more than just a hospital – we are a place of healing and hope.”

Dr. Amito Chandiwal, President of Medical Staff at the hospital, described coming technological improvements designed to improve the patient experience and said that he was most excited about the hospital’s incredible care team and the innovations that the hospital would be bringing to the new space.

“Rest is crucial for recovery,” he said, and the addition of a wearable BioButton for patients will communicate information about vital signs to staff, without the need to wake or disturb the patient. The devices also empower the staff with more information, he said. Special technology coming to patients’ rooms includes a smart TV that is a two-way communication device, enabling access to medical records, ordering of meals or even spiritual guidance. A digital white board will provide updates in real time for patients and their families.

The project will open the new services “as they go, “ said Stanzel, with all phases to be completed by 2027.

About Houston Methodist West Hospital

Houston Methodist West Hospital is committed to leading medicine in the Katy and West Houston communities by delivering the Houston Methodist standard of unparalleled safety, quality, service, and innovation. The growing campus offers access to the most innovative medical and surgical care available, including robotic and minimally invasive surgery, full-spectrum heart care, state-of-the-art imaging, cancer care, labor and delivery with a level III neonatal ICU, neurology and neurosurgery, orthopedics and sports medicine, outpatient rehabilitation and 24/7 emergency services. For more information, visit houstonmethodist.org/west or call 832.522.5522.