SALT LAKE CITY — The University of Utah and University of Utah Health, together with the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, celebrated the official groundbreaking of the University of Utah Eccles Health Campus and Eccles Hospital in West Valley.
This facility marks the University’s first off-campus inpatient establishment, a significant move aimed at expanding health care access and creating thousands of employment opportunities in Utah’s westside communities.
The groundbreaking event took place at Centennial Park in West Valley, located just a block from the future site of the Eccles Health Campus at 3750 South and 5600 West.
The event follows the January announcement of a monumental $75 million donation by the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, the largest gift the Foundation has ever granted, which will directly support the construction of the new health campus and hospital.
This substantial investment underscores the Eccles family’s commitment to enhancing community well-being and fostering economic growth.
University of Utah President Taylor Randall expressed gratitude toward the Eccles family, highlighting their longstanding partnership and the transformational impact this collaboration has had on the University and greater community in Utah.
Randall noted, “We couldn’t be more proud that our partnership has driven transformative investments at the U and throughout all our campuses in Utah.”
The new Eccles Health Campus will feature approximately 130 patient beds, in addition to comprehensive outpatient clinics equipped with 200 exam rooms dedicated to specialties such as heart care, orthopedics, women’s health, and pediatrics, along with general internal medicine and urgent care services.
Moreover, the campus will also include a helipad, enhancing its capacity to serve patients efficiently.
Spencer F. Eccles, Chairman and CEO of the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation, remarked on the significance of this initiative, stating that it represents one of the most impactful projects the Foundation has ever supported.
He emphasized the importance of collaboration among medical providers, educators, and the community, ensuring that this facility contributes positively to both health outcomes and local job training opportunities.
“Today, we’re proud to continue this partnership on what is one of the most impactful projects our Foundation has ever supported,” said Eccles.
He added, “This beautiful state-of-the-art hospital will bring together expert medical providers and educators, top-notch medical students, and, most importantly, the wonderful people of this vibrant community.”
Construction of the Eccles Health Campus will be led by Okland Construction, collaborating with MHTN Architects and CannonDesign. Groundbreaking is scheduled to begin this summer with the goal of opening the facility’s doors in 2028.
The new campus will serve not only as a center for exceptional patient care provided by University of Utah Health but will also act as a primary training site for students from the Spencer Fox Eccles School of Medicine.
Dr. Bob Carter, a senior vice president for health sciences and CEO of University of Utah Health, pointed out the pressing need for medical services in the region, noting that Utah ranks 49th out of 50 states for primary care providers.
“The physician shortage is five times greater in westside communities along the Wasatch Front than in eastside communities,” Dr. Carter explained.
He expressed optimism about the new Eccles Health Campus, stating that it would address the physician shortage by providing a training ground for medical students equipped to return to these communities to deliver high-quality healthcare.
In addition to improving healthcare services, the Eccles Health Campus is projected to create over 2,000 new jobs, contributing to the economic vitality of westside communities and offering educational pathways leading to careers within the facility.
Participants celebrated the groundbreaking at West Valley City’s WestFest, an annual celebration that honors the founding of West Valley City and showcases its diverse cultures.
The University of Utah partnered with the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation to serve as principal sponsors of this vibrant three-day festival, which featured various artisans, crafters, food vendors, entertainment, a parade, carnival, and fireworks show.
The University of Utah stands as the state’s flagship higher education institution, offering 18 schools and colleges with over 100 undergraduate majors and graduate programs to more than 36,000 enrolled students.
Recognized as a member of the prestigious Association of American Universities, the University strives to provide unmatched value in higher education and health care.
About University of Utah Health: University of Utah Health is Utah’s only academic health care system, providing comprehensive care across a referral area that spans 10 percent of the U.S., including states such as Idaho, Wyoming, Montana, and parts of Nevada.
The institution is known for training the majority of the state’s health professionals across various disciplines, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and therapists.
About the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation: Since 1982, the George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Foundation has awarded nearly $1 billion in grants, significantly investing in the economic vitality and future strength of Utah and the Intermountain West, with a strong focus on health care initiatives that carry on the legacy of George and Dolores Eccles.
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