The University of New Mexico Hospital (UNMH) has given staff members a memorable opportunity to leave their mark on the hospital – literally.
Starting Jan. 24, employees will gather in the administration suite of the Main Hospital to sign the final beam of the new Critical Care Tower (CCT).
The construction team expects to place this beam into the CCT’s steel in February, culminating the massive work of framing the exterior of the nine-story building.
The beam signing presents an invaluable opportunity for the UNM Hospital community to celebrate the progress of the CCT together.
For months, we have watched the skeleton of the new tower come to life. Now the beam signing makes all of this real and shows that the expansion is actually going to happen
“I am excited that we are doing the beam signing with our staff,” said Chief Nursing Officer Patti Kelley. “For months, we have watched the skeleton of the new tower come to life. Now the beam signing makes all of this real and shows that the expansion is actually going to happen.”
The excitement among UNM Hospital staff is palpable as they eagerly file into the administration suite for their chance to enshrine their name on the metal beam.
One employee who left her signature on the beam is Christina Nicholson, office supervisor with UNM Hospital Campus Development. Her role exclusively focuses on the hospital expansion, where she assists with aspects like logistics and clinical design.
“The beam signing is an exciting milestone for this project,” she said. “We are steps closer to completing our commitment of delivering more to the state of New Mexico. It has been an honor to be involved in an essential project.”
For UNMH Communications Manager Donna Humbard, signing the beam means getting to participate in a project that is immensely important for meeting New Mexicans’ health care needs.
“I am humbled for the opportunity to be a part of such a passionate accomplishment,” she said.
Whether it is a simple signature or an inspirational message, every addition to the beam tells a unique story of how each UNMH team member has helped make the hospital expansion a reality.
Chief Medical Information Officer Dusadee Sarangarm, MD, sees the beauty and brilliance behind the growing mosaic of monikers.
"The beam signing is a symbol of how our individual contributions have made the tower possible,” Sarangarm said. “Through our teamwork, we are improving access to care for our community, and the beam serves as a historic representation of our unity, grit and dedication to that mission.”
The construction team will remove the beam from the administration suite in early February. UNMH expects to open the CCT in late 2024.
To learn more, visit https://unmhealth.org/locations/tower.html.
