PLAINS TWP. — While providing an update on Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center’s $884 million expansion project, Michael DiMare, associate vice president of clinical operations, said the key is “impact” — on the region’s quality of health care and the local economy.
“This project represents Geisinger’s continued investment in Wyoming Valley,” DiMare said. “When we open the doors to this new facility, patients will have easier access to high-quality care.”
Geisinger Wyoming Valley began steel frame construction on its new 11-story patient tower that is expected to open in early 2028, said Jeff Tomko, Geisinger’s project manager. The groundbreaking for the project was held in June 2024.
The almost $900 million expansion and renovation includes building a new 11-story patient tower, which will increase the medical center’s capacity for emergency medicine, critical care, trauma care, surgical services, and advanced cardiovascular programs.
Working through a rough winter, Tomko said the crew has been “working horizontally.” He said with the arrival of the steel, the work will begin vertically.
“It’s been a long time coming,” Tomko said.
When completed, the new building will connect to the existing buildings on the campus.
Encompassing about 600,000 square feet, DiMare said the project will put Geisinger Wyoming Valley’s capabilities on par with large academic medical centers in Philadelphia, New York and other major metropolitan areas.
DiMare noted that the expansion project comes at a time when, between 2023 and 2028, the region’s 65-and-older population, which generally needs more health care services and resources, is expected to grow by 11%.
The inpatient expansion and conversion will be to a private-room model, DiMare said. Geisinger Wyoming Valley currently has 356 patient rooms — 144 more will be added with the new building, resulting in 500 licensed beds.
DiMare said Geisinger Wyoming Valley employs 3,910, and more than 400 will be added, bringing the total to nearly 4,500. DiMare said jobs will be clinical service positions, along with support services. And he noted that the cafeteria will also undergo a significant expansion to accommodate the employees.
DiMare and Tomko said the project has required 800 construction jobs, with direct and indirect labor costs of $563 million. DiMare said the impact on the region’s economy will approach $1 billion.
“This project will drive the local economy,” DiMare said. “And this will have tremendous value to the community’s health care — no one should have to leave the area for the highest standard of care.”
Project stats
6.150 pieces of structural steel weighing 4,321 tons will be used.
“That’s enough steel to build three Eiffel Towers,” DiMare said.
The steel was placed by a crane that had to be delivered in pieces and assembled onsite.
The 11-story patient tower and Emergency Room expansion will nearly double the size of Geisinger Wyoming Valley Medical Center.
Emergency medicine services will be expanded — 22 more treatment areas; 3 more trauma bays.
The expansion also includes:
• Dedicated space for behavioral health patients
• Growing regional presence as a key referral center
• 6 additional operating rooms — bringing the total number of ORs to 18.
• 24 new intensive care beds
• Modernizes Richard and Marion Pearsall Heart Hospital
• Replaces cardiac catheterization labs
• 2 new structural heart rooms for advanced valve procedures
• Expanded clinic, treatment, and cardiac imaging spaces
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.