A new downtown Utica hospital is taking shape with more than half the project complete, according to health system leaders.

“We started this project as a thought in 2014. Started the design process and earnest in 2018. So coming here today and seeing some of the rooms taking shape, doors going on, fixtures on the wall, it’s really kind of exciting because it’s taken so long. Before I know it, we’ll be cutting the ribbon and start treating patients here at the Wynn Hospital," said Bob Scholefield, an executive for Mohawk Valley Health System.

Scholefield, the executive vice president for facilities and real estate, said MVHS anticipates elevating its trauma status form a level three to a level two.

“One of the questions we get asked often, 'What’s coming to the Wynn Hospital and what’s not coming?' Everything we offer currently at the health system will be relocated here to the Wynn Hospital," he said.

There are over 400 staff members involved in the design process. 

“At the end of the day, we’re not building this hospital for me. Maybe someday I’ll be a patient in it, I’m not sure. But we’re building it for those that provide care in the building and those that receive care," Scholefield said.

He added staff will be able to tour the 373-bed hospital before it is complete, which will allow MVHS to get feedback and make changes before completion. 

“It’s important to have them here today to look at this just to make sure that we’re building it as they are expecting it to be built to maximize the efficiency of the care they are delivering to our patients," he said.

MVHS said it's still on track to be open by October 2023. 

St Elizabeth’s and St. Luke’s hospitals will close once the Wynn Hospital opens, and patients and staff will be moved to new location.