Improving operating room capacity across campuses: Board of Regents meeting preview
At the November meeting of the Iowa Board of Regents, UI Health Care will present three modernization projects aimed at improving operating room (OR) capacity across campuses. Together, these projects represent a strategic investment in the future of health care delivery in Iowa. By expanding capacity and modernizing facilities, UI Health Care continues to prioritize excellence in patient care and operational efficiency.
North Liberty campus: Completion of shell space
UI Health Care is seeking approval to proceed with the planning and outfitting of shell space at its North Liberty campus. Originally designed for future expansion, the campus has experienced high patient volumes, particularly in surgical services, creating a need to complete the shell space.
The initial phase of this project would outfit four ORs, along with pre- and post-operative areas and a post-anesthesia care unit (PACU), once a budget is approved. Upon completion, North Liberty campus would have 16 ORs to serve patients.
Additional shell space at North Liberty — including space for inpatient beds, imaging facilities, and staff support areas — will be completed as needed in future phases, pending budget approval by the Iowa Board of Regents.
This flexible approach allows UI Health Care to respond dynamically to rising demand and ensures the North Liberty campus remains equipped to effectively serve the community.
Downtown campus: OR improvements
UI Health Care plans a comprehensive renovation of 14 existing ORs at downtown campus, pending budget approval by the Iowa Board of Regents.
Project updates are designed to align the facilities with current standards of care, enhance clinical efficiency, and improve patient outcomes. The modernization effort includes infrastructure upgrades, new surgical equipment, IT enhancements, and improvements to medical gas systems and systems integration.
Construction would begin in 2026 with completion slated for spring 2027, using a phased approach to minimize disruption to operations.
University campus: Renovation of the surgical pathology lab suite
UI Health Care is requesting budget approval to renovate the surgical pathology lab suite within John Pappajohn Pavilion (JPP) at university campus. This renovation is critical to supporting main operating room modernization efforts and ensuring the pathology lab can handle increased capacity. This expansion supports increased surgical volume and improves workflow efficiency.
The redesigned lab would feature center islands to facilitate better circulation and operational flow. The project would be executed in phases to maintain ongoing operations, with completion targeted for mid-2027.
