The Dell Children's Medical Center of Central Texas has announced plans for its new tower expansion.

Set to finish construction in May 2013, the 76,683-square-foot tower at the medical center will add 72 beds to the hospital, bringing the center's total beds to 247. Last year, the center served more than 141,000 patients. The medical center is located in the Mueller development southwest of the I-35 and 51st Street interchange.

"I think the greatest advantage [of the tower] is being able to expand our clinical programs," DCMC Vice President Teresa George said. "[The tower] will help us improve patient flow, especially during high census periods."

Along with the expansion of the clinical program, the center plans to create a number of new programs with the tower's completion. Though bone marrow transplants are planned for the future, the center's priority for the new tower is creating a subacute care program.

"Right now, patients have to go out of the Austin community for [subacute] care," George said "They still need some nursing care, but they don't need the high staffing numbers as in hospitals."

The tower will also allow for expansion of the center's current specific care services. Once complete, the center plans on increasing services such as orthopedic and spine programs, bone and joint care, and sports medicine.