9-19-2023 4:23am

GBMC INVESTS IN

GBMC Breaks Ground On $166 Million 'Promise Project' To Revolutionize Baltimore Area Patient Care

The Greater Baltimore Medical Center facility in Towson. (Image Credit: Google/ Google Maps)

The Greater Baltimore Medical Center (GBMC) recently broke ground on a new 117,000-square-foot facility to revolutionize patient care in the Greater Baltimore area.

"The Promise Project," will feature a three-story, 117,000 square-foot replacement for older inpatient units and a grand entrance to the hospital. Additionally, a two-story, 70,000-square-foot pavilion will house the Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute. With a budget of $166 million, the first construction phase is set to be completed by fall 2023.

"The Promise Project will modernize our inpatient rooms and represents a crucial step in our ongoing efforts to improve patients' overall health across all stages of life," said John B. Chessare, M.D., MPH, the president and CEO of GBMC HealthCare.

The new inpatient units are based on a patient-centered care model, with each floor containing 30 medical-telemetry beds. The rooms will be double the size of the current rooms and will feature state-of-the-art soundproofing, ample storage, and sleeper sofas for family or guests.

The design also incorporates innovative features for pandemic preparedness. GBMC will be the first hospital in Maryland to have units that can switch to a "pandemic mode," allowing for rapid air exhaust to the outdoors as a protective measure against infectious diseases. Furthermore, special alcoves and unique patient servers will facilitate the easy and safe transfer of medical supplies while reducing unnecessary room entries.

The ground floor will comprise a wellness area, a retail pharmacy, a medical library, and a gift shop. The existing Yvonne Kahlert Chapel will be moved to overlook a newly developed outdoor healing garden. A new meditation garden will replace the existing kosher pantry.

Frederick M. Hudson, chair of GBMC's Board of Directors, reiterated the board's unwavering support for the project, stating, "Despite challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, we remain committed to delivering the highest standard of care to our community."

The Sandra R. Berman Pavilion is slated to centralize various services provided by GBMC's Sandra and Malcolm Berman Cancer Institute. The pavilion will offer a range of services, including genetics, infusion therapy, and different types of oncology. Its completion is targeted for fall 2024.

"The Promise Project is set to bring cutting-edge care to our community," campaign chair John R. Saunders Jr concluded.