Here are the latest updates for six hospital systems across the Northwest Austin area.

1. Ascension Seton Northwest Hospital

Ascension Seton Northwest was certified in Total Hip and Total Knee Arthroplasty by The Joint Commission in mid-June, according to a news release.

The Joint Commission provides accreditation and certification for health care programs in the U.S.

“It all ties back to quality,” said Dr. Steven Brockman-Weber's, a regional hospital president with Ascension Seton, in an interview. “They come in and do a survey and I think that has kind of helped us to stand out.”


In addition to the recent designation, there are plans for the hospital to add another daVinci 5 robot to its lineup, bringing the hospital’s total to four once launched in the fall, Brockman-Weber said.

“We’re probably one of the busier robotic programs in the city. The reason we’re adding a fourth one is because we do about 250 cases a quarter,” Brockman-Weber said.2. Cedar Park Regional Medical Center

Ascension Seton officials announced in an April 15 news release that the hospital system will take over ownership of the Cedar Park Regional Medical Center.

Per the news release, Ascension is expected to fully take over ownership this summer once the transaction is closed and will focus on expanding advanced medical services and improving efficiencies within the hospital. CPRMC features 126 beds, has two 24/7 emergency rooms and provides a variety of medical services.


“With full ownership, we can accelerate growth, streamline operations and introduce new services that meet the evolving needs of the community,” Ascension President Eduardo Conrado said.3. Dell Children’s Medical Center North Campus

The hospital elevated its trauma certification in April and is now an advanced trauma center, making it one of only three Level 3 pediatric trauma centers in Texas, per a news release.

“I’m thrilled and proud of our emergency team for earning this recognition,” said Cathy Heckenlively, chief administrative officer at Dell Children’s North.

To receive the status, Dell Children’s staff performed individual reviews of each patient case, received a two-day facility survey by Texas EMS Trauma and Acute Care Foundation, and created trauma guidelines, among other tasks.


“As Central Texas continues to grow, it’s imperative that we invest in our hospitals and ensure we have the latest trauma advancements and staff available to serve our patients,” said Adam Messer, president of Dell Children’s Medical Center.4. Heart Hospital of Austin

Heart Hospital of Austin has worked toward less invasive procedures for patients, shifting from open-heart surgery to minimally invasive techniques through its research department, said Dr. Faraz Kerendi, director of the Heart Valve Clinic at Heart Hospital of Austin.

Under St. David’s HealthCare, the hospital focuses on various cardiac and vascular procedures.

Kerendi said the specialty hospital’s research department has worked on “the cutting edge” of new technological advancements, such as catheter-based treatment or smaller surgical incisions. Heart valve surgery required open-chest surgery about 10 years ago. Since then, technology has improved to include trials for minimally-invasive procedures in other heart valves, Kerendi said.5. St. David’s North Austin Medical Center


In 2023, the hospital expanded its NICU from 50 to 97 beds with four additional floors.

The $121 million project comes after St. David’s HealthCare announced nearly $1 billion in investments in Central Texas facilities.

“We always seem to be a little surprised at how rapidly we continue to grow and fill that capacity,” St. David’s CEO David Huffstutler said.

Amid facing parking challenges, the hospital will open a $52 million parking garage to add about 971 spaces. The campus is also in the process of developing a three-phase expansion of its emergency department.


To read more about what’s happening at St. David’s North Austin Medical Center, visit Page 26.6. Texas Children’s Hospital North Austin Campus

The campus is set to expand its offerings in 2025 with the addition of a craniofacial clinic, per an announcement in late 2024.

The clinic, which offers services at other Texas Children’s locations, treats children with facial, jaw and skull abnormalities, such as:
  • Undersized jaws
  • Small or underdeveloped parts of the face
  • Dentofacial deformities, such as Apert syndrome, Crouzon syndrome and Pfeiffer syndrome
  • Acute and chronic sequelae of facial fractures, resulting from a disease, injury or other trauma
  • Rare craniofacial clefts
Representatives for the hospital said the Austin clinic will include integrated dentistry and orthodontic services.