The University of New Mexico Hospital’s Critical Care Tower (CCT) opened last October. Patients will be cared for using some of the most advanced medical technology available. Every floor features art, natural sunlight, and teams of health professionals ready to help.

The CCT includes an expanded Adult Emergency Department with 68 new beds; 96 intensive care beds in total; a second helipad; a new surgical suite with 18 operating rooms; and some of the most advanced medical technology in the country.

As New Mexico’s largest teaching hospital, UNM Hospital ensured the CCT includes ample spaces for training and meetings. The Sky Campus level features several multipurpose rooms—available by checkout—to support students and trainees in educational settings. The level is named Sky Campus because it serves as an extension of the learning environment of the UNM Health Sciences Center.

“The UNM Hospital Critical Care Tower is the instrument for making sure that we have good rural health care delivery,” said New Mexico Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham. “Whatever emergency comes our way, this campus, this university, this state will be ready.”

First proposed in 2015, the CCT was celebrated during a ribbon cutting ceremony a few days before opening. Addressing hundreds of engineers, construction workers, tradespeople and facilities professionals, UNM Hospital CEO Kate Becker praised their years of dedication that made the project possible.

“It’s been incredible to see all the pieces of the CCT come to life—from the installation of high tech medical equipment to the hanging of beautiful art pieces that now brighten the walls,” Becker said. “So many of you have worked incredibly hard to prepare the CCT for each other and for patients and their families. The opening of the Critical Care Tower is possible because of your commitment to improving health care services for all.”