WSU Health Sciences Spokane eyes expansion

By RJ Wolcott, WSU News

SPOKANE, WA –The future of Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane includes a virtual hospital and expanded capacity to conduct clinical research in further serving the Pacific Northwest region’s health needs.

“This is a recognition of the trajectory of WSU Health Sciences Spokane and the path we are already on,” said Daryll DeWald, who serves as vice president for WSU Health Sciences and chancellor for WSU Health Sciences Spokane. “WSU Health Sciences is making a difference in healthcare for the state of Washington in all 39 counties, particularly in underserved rural areas. In addition, our partners are asking, and we plan to fulfill, requests to be a regional asset across the Pacific Northwest.”

DeWald shared the vision for the Spokane campus growth with WSU’s Board of Regents in September. He discussed three upcoming campus projects aimed at propelling WSU Health Sciences Spokane toward its goals:

• A Biomedical Health and Sciences building with clinical simulation suites and additional space to support research
• The Spokane Health Education and Innovation Complex that would include a virtual hospital where students could get experience in real‑world situations
• The redevelopment of the Jensen‑Byrd warehouse into critically needed office and collaboration space as well as a philanthropy center.

Earlier this year, WSU received $500,000 in support from the state legislature for the pre‑design phase of the Biomedical Health and Sciences Building. Current plans call for approximately 85,000 square feet of space, include wet labs, collaboration space and a Vivarium space for the isolation and monitoring of non‑rodent mammals and fish.

The university will spend the next several years planning and designing the new building on the Spokane campus, looking toward breaking ground in 2023. WSU will seek $84 million in state support of the project’s $120 million projected cost, looking for private support to make up the difference.

The Spokane Health Education and Innovation Complex will include rooms and clinical spaces that look identical to real‑world hospitals. Approximately 15,000 square feet of space will be for a clinical research accelerator in support of ongoing and future work.

The renovation of the historic Jensen‑Byrd building will provide updated office and collaborative space as well as opening up leasable space for philanthropic and education-related tenants.

Daryll DeWald

DeWald highlighted ongoing partnerships with higher education institutions including Gonzaga University and the University of Washington. Connections with business partners have given WSU Health Sciences greater insight on the needs of business while bringing the latest in educational innovations to these healthcare providers.

Regents spoke favorably of the vision for WSU Health Sciences Spokane and the work already being done across the state.

“I’m encouraged by the continued funding by the National Institutes of Health,” Regent Ron Sims said. “We have stellar programs and it’s encouraging to be recognized at the federal level.”

For more information on Washington State University Health Sciences Spokane, visit spokane.wsu.edu.