University of New Mexico (UNM) Hospital in Albuquerque, US, has officially opened the 570,000ft² Critical Care Tower (CCT) ahead of its first patient admissions.

This facility marks a significant expansion in critical care services for the state's teaching hospital, following its initial proposals in 2015.

The tower has an expanded adult emergency department, equipped with 68 beds, and increases the total number of intensive care beds across the facility to 96.

It also includes enhanced infrastructure such as a surgical suite featuring 18 operating rooms, a second helipad, and advanced medical technology systems.

New Mexico governor Michelle Grisham said: "The UNM Hospital Critical Care Tower is the instrument for making sure that we have good rural health care delivery. Whatever emergency comes our way, this campus, this university, this state will be ready."

At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, UNM Hospital CEO Kate Becker acknowledged the construction teams for their contributions throughout the years of development.

UNM Health System CEO Dr Mike Richards said: "What you see around you is the culmination of years of dedication, diligence, and vision from countless people. The Critical Care Tower is the expansion of our clinical delivery system in 15 years.

"We will expand our reach through research in the years and decades to come, and our students and trainees will learn with cutting-edge technology in spaces designed for both patient care and medical education."

The facility features The Sky Campus on the fourth floor, which is solely dedicated to training and meetings.

This space offers dining facilities, 22 private rooms for resident physicians, staff lockers, and educational meeting rooms. Access to the campus is restricted to patients and visitors.