Another key feature is research. Pat McAllister II, for instance, has for years studied hydrocephalus — water on the brain. But instead of being tucked in some lab across the way, he's in the building with the patients and the clinicians, and he believes that proximity will lead to discoveries and their application. At least one physician is a clinical researcher as well. And the researchers work closely with the bioengineers at the U.

The operating rooms are large —700 square feet rather than the traditional 400, said Kathy Adamson, administrative director of surgical services. Neurosurgery is typically complex and uses space-consuming technology. And like the operating rooms, the recovery area has also been retooled to better reflect neurological-treatment needs. Monitors and much of the equipment will swing away overhead, while the beds are moved away from the walls so that staff can move all the way around the patient while caring for him, said unit manager Bruce Garrett.

The lab and operating rooms will be in use in the next two weeks. A new, more powerful MRI with a larger opening to accommodate people who are obese or claustrophobic will be in place in December.

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E-mail: lois@desnews.com