SALT LAKE CITY – The University of Utah has announced plans to build a state-of-the-art hospital in West Valley City, marking a historic expansion of healthcare access for over 725,000 residents living west of Interstate 15. This new facility will be the first off-campus hospital in the University of Utah’s 175-year history.

“The Eccles family has made an extraordinary gift of $75 million to build a University of Utah Health Hospital and health campus in West Valley,” said Taylor Randall, University of Utah President.

The announcement event was attended by the governor, West Valley City mayor, top U of U administrators, and the Eccles family. This significant donation from the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation will kick-start the construction of the hospital.

While official renderings of the hospital will not be revealed until the groundbreaking ceremony this summer, the university shared that the facility will be constructed on a 22-acre site at 5600 W. 3750 S. The 800,000 square-foot hospital campus will feature 100 hospital beds and offer comprehensive medical services.

“It’s not just a hospital and its specialties. It’s also bringing 2,000 jobs and the education and training that will happen right there on campus,” said Katie Eccles Burnett, advisory board member for the Eccles Foundation.

West Valley City Mayor Karen Lang also spoke at the announcement, emphasizing the community's pride in the new development: “To stay in our own community and have the superb healthcare we’ll have and the opportunity for our kids to be working there as doctors and nurses is just going to be phenomenal.”

The University of Utah has recognized a significant healthcare disparity in the region. Utahns residing on the west side of the Salt Lake Valley have a life expectancy nearly 10 years lower than those on the east side of the valley. The new hospital aims to bridge this gap and provide better access to quality healthcare for these communities.

The construction of the new West Valley hospital is slated to be completed by 2028, with the first hospital rooms set to open in 2029.

The University of Utah’s investment in the West Valley area not only promises improved healthcare services but also underscores its commitment to addressing disparities in healthcare access. The hospital’s design will incorporate advanced medical technology and services to serve the growing population of the west side of Salt Lake Valley. With the promise of creating over 2,000 jobs, this new development is also expected to significantly contribute to the local economy and provide opportunities for healthcare training and education.

The University of Utah Health Hospital will include various specialties, advanced medical procedures, and support services, further establishing the area as a central hub for health and wellness. This hospital is also part of a broader initiative by the University of Utah to enhance its healthcare footprint across the state and provide cutting-edge treatment options to underserved populations.

Once operational, the hospital will play a key role in addressing the growing demand for healthcare services in the area, offering patients state-of-the-art medical care and access to highly trained professionals. The community is already looking forward to the positive impact this facility will have on both their health outcomes and the local job market.

Originally reported by KSL TV.