September 3, 2004

Opening soon: The new Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care

On July 12, 2002, a large steel beam was eased gently into place, marking the beginning of construction of the structural frame for the MGH's new Yawkey Center for Outpatient Care. Now, 5,358 tons of steel, 92,948 tons of concrete, and a little more than two years later, the Yawkey Center soon will open for business, and an air of excitement can be felt throughout the entire MGH community.
Many MGH staff and visitors have been impressed to see all the planning and preparation of so many come to fruition. More than 360 construction workers – equaling about 2,865 hours of labor per week – are making their final push to complete the lobby and floors up to level six. The escalator and main stairs are in place, and terrazzo flooring has been laid in the lobby. Some furnishings and exam tables are in place, with more expected over the next couple of weeks. The arrival of computers and equipment has begun, and installation of imaging equipment is underway. Final regulatory approvals are necessary from several agencies such as the Boston Fire Department and the Department of Public Health.

The Yawkey Center is on schedule for the first phase of moves Oct. 12, along with the reopening of the garage. The first phase of the move will begin Oct. 8 and continue over that weekend. This phase will focus on floors two through six, and will include the relocation of several departments: MGH Orthopaedics, Rheumatology, MGH Vincent Obstetrics and Gynecology, Women's Health, Cardiology, Pediatrics, Child Psychiatry and Radiology. The second and final phase of the move is scheduled for the weekend of Dec. 3, which will relocate the MGH Cancer Center and the MGH In Vitro Fertilization Unit to floors seven through 10.

The Yawkey Center was made possible by a generous $25 million gift – the largest in the MGH's history – from the Yawkey Foundation. Jean R. Yawkey – who with her husband, Tom, was a longtime owner of the Red Sox – received her medical care at the MGH and was a strong supporter of the hospital and its mission. Following her death in 1992, the trustees of the Yawkey Foundation have continued her tradition of charitable giving to the MGH.

For more information about the Yawkey Center, visit the website at www.massgeneral.org/yawkey.