Dignity Health Mercy Hospital Southwest Celebrates Major Milestone with Final Beam Raising at the New Hardt Foundation Tower

Time-honored tradition signifies completion of the highest point of the new tower expansion project 

BAKERSFIELD, CA – December 12, 2023 –  Dignity Health Mercy Hospital and the Friends of Mercy Foundation are thrilled to announce that on Tuesday, December 12, 2023, construction crews topped-off the highly anticipated Hardt Foundation Tower expansion project by raising the final beam carrying the signatures of hospital employees, donors, construction crews, and board members. This achievement marks a significant moment in the construction process of the new four-story, 106-ped patient care tower which will advance healthcare services west of Highway 99. 

“This is an important milestone that was made possible by the generosity of our community, donors, and employees,” said BJ Predum, President & CEO of Mercy Hospitals. “The topping off of the Hardt Foundation Tower is not just about reaching new heights in the construction of our new patient tower project, but elevating care for our growing community. Every beam is a promise and  a commitment to the future of medical services in Bakersfield.”

Mercy Hospital leadership, staff and members of the construction team were on hand as the final beam was placed at the highest point of the structure, symbolizing the completion of this important phase. 

The interior of the hospital has been under construction for more than a year to create the necessary infrastructure to support the new four-story, 106-bed patient care tower. The community has donated more than $15,000,000 toward the project, and Mercy Hospital employees have donated more than $400,000.

The area around Mercy Hospital Southwest is projected to grow by seven percent in the next five years. As the community grows, there comes a greater need for access to healthcare services west of Highway 99. The Mercy Southwest Tower Expansion Project includes:

• 106 Private Patient Rooms
• The David and Catherine Gay Family Intensive Care Unit - A New 24-Room  Intensive Care Unit
• The Wright Family Neonatal Intensive Care Unit - 18 Private Neonatal Intensive Care Unit Rooms
• State-of-the-Art Cardiac Catheterization Suites
• Expanded Neurosurgery Capabilities
• 6 additional State-of-the-Art Operating Rooms
• The Drs. Ravi and Naina Patel Oncology Floor - Specialized Oncology and Orthopedic Units
• The Beverly Camp Women’s Cancer Program
• The Pandol Main Lobby in honor of Jack and Winifred Pandol and Don and Izetta Camp.
• Expanded Emergency Department
• The Leonard Anton Bidart and Family Surgery Waiting Area
• Additional Parking and Campus Redesign

Along with remodeled admitting, imaging, and public areas, the hospital plans to hire additional physicians, specialists, nurses, and other clinical and non-clinical staff, creating new jobs in the area.

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About Mercy Hospital Bakersfield

Founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Mercy Hospitals have a history of caring for our community that goes back more than 100 years. We provide a broad range of medical and surgical services including minimally invasive and outpatient options. Our family of services includes the area's only inpatient oncology unit, the Orthopedic, Spine, and Hand Center, Family Birth Center, the Lactation Support Center and retail store, and many others. Mercy Hospital Downtown is a 194-bed facility located in downtown Bakersfield. Mercy Hospital Southwest is a 78-bed facility and the only hospital located in the rapidly growing area west of Highway 99. Mercy Hospital is a member of Dignity Health and is a trusted community partner, serving residents of Bakersfield and Kern County with quality, compassionate care since 1910.  Learn more at dignityhealth.org/mercybakersfield.