The new campus will be the region’s first-of-its-kind concept focused on holistic health and wellness. 
“The Health and Wellness Village will be unlike anything ever built in Arizona,” said Steve Eiss, vice president of real estate and development for Northern Arizona Healthcare. “It will change how people perceive health care delivery while providing a significant economic benefit for Flagstaff.”
The new campus will be built near Fort Tuthill, anchored by a state-of-the-art hospital and ambulatory care center. It also will include community amenities that support Flagstaff’s growing population and needs, including new housing and grocery options. In addition, the campus will include a hotel, dining and outdoor options to benefit NAH patients.
“NAH is working with other developers to create amenities that promote a healthy lifestyle and to serve our community,” Eiss said. “The revenue NAH earned from these development opportunities will be reinvested in patient care, equipment and other health care technologies and innovations.”
Upon full build-out, it is estimated that the Health and Wellness Village will generate an additional $389 million per year in economic benefit for Flagstaff and Northern Arizona above the existing Flagstaff Medical Center. It also is expected to generate $4.5 million in annual tax revenue for local jurisdictions like the Flagstaff Unified School District and Coconino Community College.
Pending approvals from the City of Flagstaff, the campus will be built in multiple phases beginning with an ambulatory care center tentatively scheduled to open in 2025 and the new hospital opening in 2027.
Eiss said the campus would not only stimulate the economy but also act as a catalyst to draw more medical professionals and their families to Flagstaff as the development will provide more job opportunities.
“By investing in a new hospital and ambulatory care center, NAH will be contributing to Northern Arizona’s long-term economic vitality and growth. We will be providing additional jobs while helping retain health care professionals in the region,” Eiss said.
NAH officials say the new campus will replace the current Flagstaff Medical Center (FMC), which cannot be retrofitted with the latest technologies and innovations needed for a growing community. FMC will be available for redevelopment after the new hospital opens.
Eiss noted that NAH is in discussion with several local organizations about the redevelopment of FMC. This includes regular meetings with city officials, business leaders and community members who have shared interests in downtown Flagstaff’s success.
The new campus will be the region’s first-of-its-kind concept focused on holistic health and wellness. It would allow NAH to build a space that can integrate medical, surgical, emergency, ambulatory and other health care services all in one location. It will continue to be the only Level 1 Trauma facility in Arizona north of Phoenix.
The new campus will include expanded clinical options such as more comprehensive oncology services, expanded patient therapies and rehabilitation, a wound-healing program with hyperbaric chambers, and outpatient imaging.
“NAH isn’t just proposing a development that will offer more clinical options, but we are designing a new hospital that will provide their patients with an even higher degree of care,” Eiss said.
According to Eiss, one of the most important features of the new hospital is the layout of patient rooms, which are intended to improve patients’ comfort during their stay. Patients can expect larger, private, suite-styled rooms with a full bathroom. In addition, each room will have in-room couches for patients and visitors and large windows allowing more natural light into each room. These features are designed to help improve patient experience and well-being.
Patients and their families also will be able to take advantage of the 22-acre natural retreat with trails that will be integrated into Flagstaff’s existing trail system.
“We are excited to bring a campus that will give residents of Northern Arizona high-quality care and amenities dedicated to improving their health for generations to come,” Eiss said. FBN
By Dawn Yengich
