A major expansion at Ascension Seton Williamson is about to move from construction project to working hospital space.

The new patient tower at Ascension Seton Williamson in Round Rock is scheduled to welcome its first patient Tuesday, Sept. 1, following the hospital's Aug. 21 announcement of the tower's opening.

The project represents a $230 million investment designed to meet growing healthcare needs across Williamson County. 

For Round Rock residents, the expansion means something very practical: more healthcare capacity closer to home.

What's been added

The tower opens with 96 new inpatient beds and is designed to support additional capacity as community needs grow.

Ascension's current hospital information describes the expanded tower as adding capacity for 160 inpatient beds. 

The expansion also includes:

• A 10-bed Clinical Decision Unit for observation care
• A new cardiac catheterization lab
• Two additional operating suites
• Additional CT, MRI and X-ray capabilities
• A 33,000-square-foot expansion of the Medical Office Building

That additional medical-office space provides room for services including cardiac rehabilitation, pediatric rehabilitation, a lymphedema clinic and upgraded cardiology offices.

Why the expansion matters to Round Rock

Williamson County's rapid growth doesn't just create demand for more homes, roads and schools.It creates demand for healthcare.

Ascension Seton Williamson already provides 24/7 emergency care and is certified as a Level II Trauma Center, Primary Heart Attack Center and Primary Stroke Plus Center.

Its specialty services include cardiovascular, surgical, neurological, stroke, orthopedic and trauma care. 

Increasing capacity locally gives more residents access to hospital care, specialty services, surgery and advanced imaging without having to travel farther into the Austin area.

More than new patient rooms

The expansion isn't simply about adding beds.

The new cardiac catheterization lab increases cardiovascular capacity, while two additional operating suites are intended to increase surgical capacity and reduce wait times. Expanded CT, MRI and X-ray capabilities provide additional diagnostic capacity. 

The new Clinical Decision Unit also provides dedicated observation space for patients while care teams determine the appropriate next step in their treatment.

Ascension's current hospital information says the broader campus expansion also includes expanded emergency services, outpatient wound care and surgical rehabilitation.

September 1 marks the next step

Construction may be finished, but the milestone that matters most to patients arrives Tuesday.

The new tower is scheduled to welcome its first patient Sept. 1. 

For a community continuing to grow at a remarkable pace, the $230 million expansion represents another piece of Round Rock's changing infrastructure—this one focused on keeping more advanced healthcare close to home.

Need contact information, directions or more information about the hospital?

Visit: Ascension Seton Williamson Hospital listing in the Round Rock Shout Outs Directory.

What do you think?

Will Ascension Seton Williamson's expansion make a difference for you or your family?

 

What healthcare services would you most like to see become easier to access here in Round Rock?

 

Share your thoughts in the comments below.