ST. LOUIS - Plaza West Tower, a new 16-story patient care tower at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, will officially welcome patients in October.

The tower will provide 224 private rooms for patients and 56 private intensive care unit rooms.

A key benefit of Plaza West Tower will be the expansion of the critical care bed space for patients awaiting or recovering from advanced treatments like heart transplants, valve repairs or replacements.

The tower also has rooms for advanced imaging and surgical preparation and recovery. It was designed to accommodate surges in patient volume and the need for isolation in the event of future pandemics.

“BJC and WashU Medicine are where patients turn when answers can’t be found elsewhere,” said Nick Barto, BJC Health System President via a news release. “The Plaza West Tower represents the power of academic medicine combined with our unwavering commitment to elevating patient care and improving the health of the communities we serve. It is an outstanding beacon in the community of all BJC and WashU represent.”

The tower will also include a family area with a kitchenette, rest areas, showers, a laundry room and a new cafeteria.