University Medical Center Brackenridge About University Medical Center Brackenridge

Expansion

Through renovation and expansion projects, University Medical Center Brackenridge remains committed to its Mission to provide quality care to all patients.

Brackenridge Opens New ICU

On Thurs., Jan 26, Brackenridge opened a new Intensive Care Unit to help meet and stay ahead of the growing demand for critical care services in Central Texas.

Last year, the ICU operated, on average, at 109 percent capacity. This addition increases capacity by 70 percent and represents the first time the ICU has been expanded in more than 20 years. The project is expected to meet estimated demand for the next 10 - 15 years.

Emergency Department Expansion and Redesign

One of the largest Emergency departments in Central Texas has expanded to meet the needs of our patients and visitors. The project has added five beds to the department and affects the existing waiting room, triage, admitting and security areas, as well as the existing treatment nurse's station. The renovation has been completed in four phases:

• First phase - Remodel of the existing security viewing area into a new triage department, and the addition of a new admitting office for paperwork processing
• Second phase - Build out of new waiting, quick registration and security areas
• Third phase - Addition of six new treatment rooms with a nurse's station
• Fourth phase - Remodel of the existing nurse's station in the treatment area

Nursery Expansion

The new area has 16 bays with eight open bed warmers, a number that can be increased to a total of 16. The new nursery also features:

• A treatment room for procedures, such as circumcisions, and private parent consultations
• A breastfeeding room for new moms
• Hugs Infant Security system for added safety

History

Publicly owned University Medical Center Brackenridge, home of the regional trauma center, was leased by the City of Austin to Seton in October of 1995, bringing Brackenridge under the umbrella of the SETON Healthcare Network in a historic agreement.

Opening its doors in 1884, University Medical Center Brackenridge was then known as the City’s County Hospital. It wasn’t until 1929 that the hospital became officially known as Brackenridge Hospital by the City Council. It had been called “Brackenridge’s Hospital” by many before that, in honor of Doctor Robert Brackenridge, one of the high-standing physicians of his time, who championed the notion of building a new hospital, promoted the idea to the public, and eventually saw this idea for a new and improved hospital turn into a reality. In 2008 the hospital's name was changed once again when it became the University Medical Center Brackenridge. Brackenridge is the oldest public hospital in Texas and has long been known for its commitment to providing safety net care for the community, a commitment shared through SETON’s mission.