When it’s complete, level four of Clarkson Tower will be transformed into a modernized Acute Care unit designed to support safer, higher-quality patient care.
Set to open in December, level four has been under construction since November 2024. The entire unit went through a complete renovation. The 30,000-square-foot unit will feature 45 private patient rooms and some of the technology used in the Innovation Design Unit, located on level six of University Tower. That includes the digital whiteboards and room signs, virtual nursing and patient monitoring.
“The renovation of level four allows us to take what we’ve learned in the Innovation Design Unit and intentionally apply it to the broader acute care environment,” said Kara Tomlinson, DNP, vice president of Nebraska Medicine Acute Care. “From room design to technology, these learnings are helping us create a safer, more efficient unit that better supports our patients and the teams who care for them.”
Eric Friesen, project manager with facilities management and planning, expects construction to be completed in October, allowing time for equipment installation.
For decades, level four of Clarkson Tower was home to a labor and delivery unit. It closed 10 years ago, in May 2016, after consolidating with the labor and delivery unit on level four of University Tower. From there, it was used as an overflow medical/surgical unit, the cath lab for some time and, most recently, to the departure lounge before it moved to its new space on level one of Clarkson Tower in March 2025.
“We’re incredibly excited to welcome patients and staff into this newly renovated unit,” Dr. Tomlinson said. “Level four was thoughtfully designed to reflect how care is delivered today, with technology and design elements that support our teams and enhance the patient experience. It’s rewarding to see this space come to life and know the positive impact it will have from day one.”