Boca Raton Regional Hospital is set to welcome its first patients in the new Gloria Drummond Patient Tower by the end of October. The $600 million expansion adds more than 400,000 sq ft to the campus and brings the hospital’s licensed bed count to 561 – the highest number of any facility in Palm Beach County.
What the tower includes
The eight‑story tower features 216 private patient rooms, a design choice that Hospital CEO Lincoln Mendez says will “really increase our patient satisfaction.” In addition, the tower houses 20 state‑of‑the‑art operating rooms, two of which are equipped with advanced imaging technology, as well as expanded intensive‑care and radiology spaces.
Local impact and community benefits
Mayor Andy Thomson praised the project as essential infrastructure for a growing city. “Health care is like infrastructure,” he said. “If you want a thriving community where people expect top‑quality services, you have to provide the top level in all areas.” The expansion is expected to improve access to specialized care for Boca Raton residents and surrounding communities, reducing the need to travel outside the county for complex procedures.
Economic investment
While the tower itself costs roughly $600 million, hospital leaders note that total investments across the entire medical campus have now exceeded $1 billion. The construction phase has created numerous jobs, and the operational phase will add permanent positions for nurses, technicians, and support staff, further strengthening the local economy.
Looking ahead
With the new tower nearing completion, Boca Raton Regional Hospital aims to position itself as a regional hub for advanced medical services. The added capacity and modern facilities are expected to attract patients from across Palm Beach County and beyond, reinforcing the hospital’s role as a cornerstone of community health.
Residents can expect the upgraded environment to enhance both the quality of care and the overall patient experience, aligning with the hospital’s mission to serve the growing needs of the Boca Raton area.
Original reporting: WPBF (Treasure Coast / Hearst) — read the source article.
