The 23-story crane now looming above WellSpan York Hospital might be a common sight in a major metropolitan area, but here in York it’s a rarity. And for all the same reasons they are used in big cities, the compact hospital campus must grow higher as it expands.
According to a press release from WellSpan York Hospital, the crane, most recently used in a hospital construction project in Philadelphia, arrived at the site in multiple pieces on trucks beginning the week of Nov. 5 and has since been assembled to the height that it will maintain through its use in the project.
At its capacity, the crane can lift up to 23,000 pounds.
Unique to this project, according to the release, the base of the crane is anchored to the ground, as opposed to being attached to the new structure and growing with it. That required advanced planning and extensive foundation work to secure the unit.
The new tower will feature larger, state-of-the-art surgical suites; the newest robotic surgical and advanced medical technology; expanded pre- and post-operative care areas; and dedicated spaces that support cardiovascular, neurology, and trauma care.