Appalachian Regional Healthcare System (Boone, N.C.) held a topping-out ceremony for its new hospital tower at Watauga Medical Center in Boone, according to an article in Watauga Democrat.

The 48-bed Schaefer Family Patient Care Tower will include larger patient rooms, surgical suites, an updated emergency department, and new waiting areas.

The project is slated for completion by the end of 2022.