Harris Health System Breaks Ground on $1.6 Billion State-of-the-Art Hospital in Houston
Harris Health System, in partnership with UTHealth Houston, Harris County, and the City of Houston, celebrated an important milestone on Thursday — the groundbreaking ceremony of their next big project. A new $1.6 billion hospital, set to replace the aging LBJ Hospital, is anticipated to open its doors in 2028.
The new 12-story hospital, located on the Harris Health Lyndon B. Johnson Hospital Campus in northeast Houston, will become the county's newest Level I trauma center. This undertaking forms part of Harris Health's ambitious $2.9 billion multiyear, multiphase infrastructure expansion. The plan includes not only the new trauma center but also a renovation of the current LBJ facility, an extension of the Harris Health Ben Taub Hospital, and three new health centers in Northwest, Southwest, and Eastern Harris County.
An interior view of a common area at the new Northeast Houston Hospital. (Source: Harris Health)"LBJ and Ben Taub were built over 30 years ago, and in that time our community has grown exponentially," expressed Esmaeil Porsa, MD, President and CEO, Harris Health System. "The addition of a Level I-capable trauma center is vital in meeting the growing needs of our region, as is the expansion of our primary care platform with new clinics."
The milestone event, attended by executives, board members, and philanthropic supporters from the Harris Health Strategic Fund and Harris County Hospital District Foundation, was held in an open-air tent with a celebratory atmosphere, including music from the local Kashmere High School Stage Band.
“This is the beginning of a monumental improvement in our medical infrastructure to provide state-of-the-art facilities and exceptional healthcare for all Harris County residents,” Andre Caracostis, MD, Harris Health System Board Chair, stated.
The hospital groundbreaking event held on May 9, 2024. (Source: Harris Health)The new facility will feature 390 private rooms across 1.3 million square feet, with the ability to add an additional 60 rooms as needed. The hospital will be equipped to handle a variety of medical needs, thanks to its rooftop helipad, 15 dedicated operating rooms, and a cutting-edge hybrid operating room.
“This hospital's placement here is central to serving this community for many, many generations to come,” Porsa added, highlighting the significance of this new development for the under-resourced northeast side of Houston.
The hospital's construction secured the approval of Harris County voters, with over 72% endorsing the $2.5 billion bond in support of Harris Health's strategic facilities plan in November 2023. The hospital will also expand its role as a clinical training ground for residents and faculty of UTHealth Houston’s McGovern Medical School.
An exterior view of the new Northeast Houston Hospital. (Source: Harris Health)“I know firsthand the benefit of this, as I did my clinical training here 30-plus years ago. It’s where the doctors and specialists of tomorrow get their start,” Porsa concluded.
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Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.
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