The expansion project involves three facets, the main segment ofwhich is the six-story patient tower designed by the architecturalfirm of Cannon Design. It will consist of 111 beds and will sitbehind an existing parking structure. The project will alsointroduce an obstetrics unit, as well as a 15,000-sf expansion ofthe seven-year-old emergency department that will account for $13million of the development cost.

BWMC is one of several hospitals in Southern Maryland hospitalsthat are planning or in the process of multimillion-dollarexpansions to accommodate the growing demand for healthcare. ShadyGrove Adventist Hospital in Rockville is in the midst of a$99-million expansion and renovation; Anne Arundel Medical Centerhas begun a $210-million expansion; and the University of MarylandMedical System has plans in the works for a $400-million expansionat its campus in Baltimore. BWMC is scheduled to complete itsexpansion project in 2008.