Granite Hills Hospital construction progresses amid pandemic
Mental health service gap widens as local and national numbers rise
MILWAUKEE – Sept. 17, 2020 – Universal Health Services (NYSE: UHS) continues construction on its new $33 million, 120-bed Granite Hills Hospital, located at 1706 S. 68th Street as local and national demands increase for mental health services.
“As our country faces compounding crises, mental health needs are on the rise and suicide rates and
calls for help are increasing at alarming rates,” said Diane Henneman, UHS Divisional Vice President.
“We felt it was imperative to move forward with the construction of the new behavioral health hospital
to address the growing demand for services that are accessible, affordable and meet the needs of all
demographics.”
Recent survey data published by the American Foundation for Suicide Preventions shows that while only
a third of adults have ever been diagnosed with a mental health condition, nearly half (47%) admit they
believe they may have had a mental health condition at some point. And, a recent UHS poll reports that
68% of Amercians view COVID-19 as a severe or extreme crisis, leading to heightened stress, anxiety and depression.
Expected to open in August 2021, the new hospital will feature:
- 120 beds in a state-of-the-art building spanning 83,000 square-feet;
- five distinct 24-bed units, including three 24-bed adult units, a dedicated adolescent unit and a
specialized older adult unit; - programming to serve adolescents, adults and older adults; and
- intensive day programs and outpatient care.
Universal Health Services contracted with local construction firm, Mortenson, who broke ground on the site in June 2020. At the project’s peak, more than 150 workers will be on-site.
Click here to view images of the construction site progress. Learn more about the facility here: http://granitehillshospital.com/
“Mortenson is honored to partner with UHS to build a facility that will provide an important service to our community,” said Mortenson’s Healthcare Executive Mike Gleeson. “Despite the current challenge created by the pandemic, the project is currently within budget and on schedule. In addition, we are proud to have maximized the local craft workforce and subcontracting community working on this facility right here in West Allis.”
UHS will begin recruitment efforts approximately six months before the hospital opening. When operational, the hospital will employ 250-300 people including physicians, nurses, clinicians, mental health technicians and support staff. Patient rooms will be equipped with state-of-the-art safety features that facilitate healing and compassionate care including:
- an indoor gymnasium;
- therapeutic environments that incorporate calming color tones, wall décor and natural light
throughout the building design; and - safe outdoor wellness courtyards for recreation.
The new behavioral health hospital will be owned and operated by UHS as an independent hospital open to all members of the community. In addition, there will be designated beds at the new hospital to provide care for patients referred from the Milwaukee County Behavioral Health Division (BHD).
About Universal Health Services, Inc.
One of the nation’s largest and most respected providers of hospital and healthcare services, Universal Health Services, Inc. has built an impressive record of achievement and performance. Growing steadily since our inception into an esteemed Fortune 500 corporation, annual revenues were $11.4 billion for 2019. In 2020, UHS was again recognized as one of the World’s Most Admired Companies by Fortune; ranked #281 on the Fortune 500; and listed #330 in Forbes ranking of U.S.’ Largest Public Companies.
Our operating philosophy is as effective today as it was 40 years ago, enabling us to provide high-quality care to our patients and their loved ones. Our strategy includes building or acquiring hospitals in rapidly growing markets, investing in the people and equipment needed to allow each facility to thrive, and becoming the leading healthcare provider in each community we serve.
Headquartered in King of Prussia, PA, UHS has 90,000 employees and through its subsidiaries operates 26 acute care hospitals, 328 behavioral health facilities, 42 outpatient facilities and ambulatory care access points, an insurance offering, a physician network and various related services located in 37 U.S. states, Washington, D.C., Puerto Rico and the United Kingdom. For additional information on the Company, visit our website: http://www.uhsinc.com/.
