University of New Mexico moving forward with hospital plans

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (AP) — The University of New Mexico is one step closer to building a new and long-awaited hospital after its governing board decided to hire an architect to begin advanced design work. The Albuquerque Journal reports (http://bit.ly/2x51ZYI ) the university's Board of Regents unanimously voted to bring on an architect to prepare plans for the first phase of the new hospital on Tuesday. The initial design would include space for 120 beds, six operating rooms and clinical offices. Officials say the new facility would eventually replace all of the current hospital's adult-care units. Health Sciences Center Chancellor Dr. Paul Roth says the hospital is no longer large enough to handle statewide demand and has become out of date. If the project stays on track, officials say the new facility could be open by mid-2022. ___ Information from: Albuquerque Journal, http://www.abqjournal.com