January 21, 2009 — The University of Virginia Medical Center began construction this month on its 40-bed long-term acute care hospital. The hospital, expected to be completed in spring 2010, will be located next to the Medical Center's Northridge Medical Office Building on U.S. 250 west.

Long-term acute care patients are defined as those needing hospital care for more than 25 days. The new hospital will allow staff to focus on those patients' unique needs while freeing beds at the University hospital on Lee Street for other patients. It will have a staff of approximately 80 people.

"We believe that this facility will provide the calm and welcoming environment that long-term acute care patients need," said R. Edward Howell, vice president and CEO of the U.Va. Medical Center. "The hospital will also be a place where friends and family can visit comfortably with the patients."

Long Term Acute Care Hospital Facts:

•    Three stories tall, 64,000 square feet
•    Number of Beds: 40
•    Number of Employees: 80
•    Total cost: $22 million