Crews complete Geisinger Medical Center steel work for hospital expansion and modernization project

DANVILLE, Pa. - Geisinger Medical Center has completed steel frame construction on its expansion and modernization project, keeping work on pace to open the hospital's new 11-story patient tower in 2029.

Geisinger officials and community partners held a beam-topping ceremony on Thursday, Oct. 29, to commemorate the milestone, which brings a more expanded and modern healthcare facility to the central Susquehanna Valley and its neighbors.

The project, which grows clinical space and enhances programs in medical-surgical care, critical care, emergency medicine, trauma care and surgical care, is designed to meet the growing needs of a region whose 65-and-older population is projected to grow in the coming years.

"This milestone is important for our region because we're one step closer to expanding and modernizing care for our patients and neighbors who depend on it," said Alex Zimmerman, DNP, RN, chief administrative officer of Geisinger's central region. "This project helps us keep up with the growing healthcare needs of our community. Our focus continues to be on building a hospital and system where no one needs to travel hours away - because the local care and capabilities are the best."

The expansion project will allow Geisinger Medical Center to transition to an all-private-room model for the hospital's adult medical-surgical units. Private rooms offer a more spacious and collaborative environment in which patients can rest and recover, while also improving families' and care teams' exchange of information. This enhancement also benefits Geisinger's continued commitment to educating and training the next generation of caregivers.

The nearly $900 million project continues a recent series of Geisinger investments in the region, focused on providing high-quality outpatient specialty care and acute inpatient care. Geisinger recently opened a new and expanded cancer center in Lewisburg, as well as investing in convenient outpatient facilities in the region.

"This project is a continuation of Abigail Geisinger's promise to our community more than a century ago that we provide excellent, advanced care services to our neighbors throughout the region," said Terry Gilliland, M.D., Geisinger president and CEO. "Every day we bring our best to every aspect of what we do and how we do it - from outpatient primary and specialty care to emergency and inpatient programs in our hospitals. We take pride in being part of this community, and this project is a confirmation of our commitment to it."

The tower is expected to be completed in 2029.

"Geisinger is a special place because we don't just care for patients - we care for generations of families," said Kim Gummel, R.N., chief nursing officer of Geisinger's central region. "We have a long and storied history in Danville. Our patients want and deserve the very best care in the best hospital, and that's exactly what we're doing with this project."

"Geisinger is a special place because we don't just care for patients - we care for generations of families," said Kim Gummel, R.N., chief nursing officer of Geisinger's central region. "We have a long and storied history in Danville. Our patients want and deserve the very best care in the best hospital, and that's exactly what we're doing with this project."

About Geisinger

Geisinger is among the nation's leading providers of value-based care, serving 1.2 million people in rural and urban communities across central and northeastern Pennsylvania. Founded in 1915 by philanthropist Abigail Geisinger, the nonprofit system generates $9 billion in annual revenues across more than 130 care sites - including 10 hospital campuses - and Geisinger Health Plan, with 509,000+ enrollees in commercial and government plans. Geisinger College of Health Sciences educates more than 600 medical professionals annually and conducts more than 1,600 clinical research studies. With 28,000 employees, including 1,900 employed physicians and 5,400 registered nurses, Geisinger is among Pennsylvania's largest employers with an estimated economic impact of $18 billion on the state's economy. In 2024, Geisinger joined Risant Health, a nonprofit charitable organization created to expand and accelerate value-based care across the country. Learn more at geisinger.org or connect with us on Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn.