HCMC to break ground on biggest expansion in its history

Hennepin County Medical Center says the biggest expansion in its history will make doctor visits and same-day surgeries faster and easier.

Construction on a new $221 million, six-story medical building begins next week with demolition work at the site. The building will open in January 2018 and will consolidate HCMC's 40 primary and specialty clinics into one location.

Vice President of Ambulatory Care Scott Wordelman says the clinics are now scattered across nine buildings and staff often have to help patients find their way around the campus.

"We have so many different entrances and our clinics literally are spread on multiple floors, they are spread across multiple buildings," he said. "I think for patients who are coming in for simple clinic visits, it can be kind of daunting."

HCMC is scheduled to hold a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday afternoon. The medical center also opens a second helicopter pad Thursday.