"We don't even allow valets to take tips because we have a no-tipping policy," he said. "We don't want to create any stress on patients. It's hard enough to be there for what they need care for."

Opened in 1981, the hospital sees more than 600,000 patients in an average year, with peak volume at about 10,000 people per day. The second phase of the expansion to be completed this month includes a new seven-story (five stories above ground, two below ground), patient-care pavilion northwest of the old entrance.

Once the new phase is open, the hospital's old semiprivate rooms will undergo remodeling into private rooms that resemble the new building's 120 private rooms.

University Hospital expansion grand opening

July 16 — 10 a.m. ribbon cutting; 11 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. open house, refreshments, giveaways and self-guided tours.

New features and services:

120 new private patient rooms

New patient admitting, outpatient pharmacy in lobby

Inpatient food service, cafeteria

Shelled space for future growth and updated mechanical services.

E-mail: carrie@desnews.com