Banner Estrella Medical Center in west Phoenix has completed a significant phase of its hospital expansion project. On October 3, the hospital opened 36 new inpatient beds on its fifth floor, which now includes an additional adult acute care unit. A ribbon cutting event marked the occasion. Earlier in the week, a new operating room suite was also unveiled as part of the ongoing expansion.
Courtney Ophaug, chief executive officer of Banner Estrella Medical Center, stated, “Reaching these milestones represents a significant step in expanding access to comprehensive health care services in our community. When we complete this project, we’ll have added hospital beds, surgical suites, and obstetric suites that will make it easier for our community to receive excellent, timely care close to home. We are proud to celebrate these two major achievements that bring us closer to that goal.”
The $35 million expansion is expected to add more than 100 new positions for healthcare professionals once completed by spring 2026. The investment aims to address the growing needs of the West Valley area.
Wendi Sears, chief nursing officer at Banner Estrella Medical Center, commented on the region’s rapid growth: “The West Valley is growing rapidly, and with that growth comes a greater need for access, quality, and compassionate care. This expansion not only enhances our ability to care for our community, but reinforces our mission: To make health care easier, so life can be better. We’ve been listening, we’ve been planning, and today, we are responding.”
Construction began in November 2024 with Cuningham leading architectural design efforts. Affiliated Engineers provided engineering support while Kitchell served as general contractor.
Banner Estrella Medical Center specializes in heart care, obstetrics, general surgery, emergency services and weight loss surgery. It is recognized as one of the first fully digital hospitals in the United States since opening in 2005 and serves as part of Banner Health’s network of 33 hospitals across six states.
For more information about services offered at Banner Estrella Medical Center visit bannerhealth.com/estrella.
