Mount Nittany Health reached a major milestone with the beam topping ceremony for its highly anticipated new Patient Tower at Mount Nittany Medical Center. The ceremony, which symbolizes the placement of the final structural beam, marks a significant step forward in the expansion of the medical center and its commitment to providing state-of-the-art healthcare to the growing community.

Speaking at the event, Kathleen Rhine, President and CEO of Mount Nittany Health, highlighted the impact the new tower will have on the region.

“This project is about more than just expanding our facilities; it’s about expanding the level of care we can provide to our community,” said Rhine. “With this new tower, we’ll be able to meet the increasing demands for high-quality healthcare and ensure that the people of this region continue to receive advanced care close to home. Today’s milestone wouldn’t have been possible without the incredible efforts of our dedicated staff, construction teams, and partners. We’re building something that will have a lasting impact on the health and wellness of our community.”

The new patient tower, which is set to open in late 2026 will feature cutting-edge technology and modernized patient rooms designed to enhance both the patient and caregiver experience. With expanded facilities, the tower will support the hospital’s ability to offer more advanced treatments and specialized care.

Dr. Thomas Covaleski, Chief of Staff, Medical Staff and Hospitalist, who also spoke at the event, discussed the improvements the new tower will bring to patient care.

“This new tower is going to significantly enhance our ability to provide exceptional care,” said Dr. Covaleski. “With more space, modern technology, and streamlined workflows, we’ll be able to deliver more efficient treatments and better outcomes for our patients. It’s an exciting time for our medical teams and the community.”

Nurses, who play a crucial role in patient care, will also benefit from the new facility. [Nurse Name], a nurse at Mount Nittany Medical Center, emphasized how the design of the new tower will improve their work environment and the quality of care they provide.

“With the new nursing stations and enhanced patient rooms, we’ll be able to deliver care more efficiently, reduce physical strain, and focus even more on our patients’ well-being,” said Nina Kephart, MSN RN, Stroke and Sepsis Coordinator, Mount Nittany Health. “This new space will create a healing environment that benefits both patients and staff.”

For more information about Mount Nittany Medical Center and updates on the Patient Tower project, please visit mountnittany.org.