March 15, 2002

The Boston Redevelopment Authority (BRA) voted March 7 to approve the MGH's plans for a new ambulatory care building. The plan will allow the hospital to add much-needed space for outpatient services, including the cardiovascular and musculoskeletal programs, women's health, MassGeneral Hospital for Children and the Cancer Center.

The first phase of the project, which should be completed in 2004, includes a 420,000-square-foot building with a 725-space underground parking garage. This phase began last fall with the removal of the east wing of the historic Charles Street Jail. A section of this wing will be rebuilt later in the project when the jail is transformed into part of a hotel.

The second phase of construction, which is slated to be completed in 2006, will result in a 220,000-square-foot building for outpatient surgery, radiology and a new emergency entrance. The overall project is expected to cost approximately $300 million.

The need for additional space for outpatient services has become paramount for the MGH. In the past five years, outpatient volume and outpatient surgery have grown more than 15 percent. Outpatient cancer visits have increased 100 percent. The growth of ambulatory care services and the shortage of space also have led to long wait times for appointments.

The MGH also is coordinating its construction project with the MBTA's plans for redeveloping the Charles/MGH T stop, which will improve access to the station for MGH patients and employees who use it. The hospital has committed $2.5 million to the T station project.

"We at the MGH are excited about the ambulatory care building and additional construction projects," said James J. Mongan, MD, president of the MGH, who spoke about the importance of the new building at the BRA hearing. "We clearly need this facility if we are to continue providing the highest-quality care to our patients in the years to come, and we believe it will be an asset to the city as well."

The MGH will continue to work with the surrounding communities, especially residents on Beacon Hill and in the West End, by keeping residents informed about hospital plans, projects and progress. "We will need to be good neighbors given the impact the hospital has on those who make their home near the MGH," says Michael Jellinek, MD, of MGH Administration, who is coordinating the ambulatory care building project. "We understand the value of collaboration in making our efforts successful, and we welcome input and questions from our neighbors."