The Iowa City VA Health Care System (ICVAHCS) is expanding its main campus hospital to accommodate the fastest-growing veteran population – women veterans.
According to a release, ICVAHCS’s Women’s Health Clinic served over 4,900 women veterans in fiscal year 2024, and demand is expected to surge by 160% over the next decade.
To meet the growing demand for services, the ICVAHCS is adding 27,500 square feet and two additional floors on the hospital’s southwest side, which will house the Women’s Health Clinic and additional care services.
“Moving the clinic to the new building would give Women Veterans larger, more modern spaces, and appropriate separation from other areas leading to more privacy and increased efficiency and satisfaction for Veteran patients and staff,” the release stated.
The clinic’s upgraded layout will include four exam rooms, each with a private bathroom, a welcoming waiting area with space for children, and a procedure room for advanced services such as ultrasound-guided IUD placement, colposcopy, and endocervical biopsy.
The design for the exam rooms follows the Patient Aligned Care Team (PACT) model, which emphasizes patient-centered, team-based, data-driven and comprehensive care.
ICVAHCS leadership, clinic staff, engineers, and construction teams conducted a groundbreaking ceremony Jan. 7 to celebrate the expansion.
“Providing essential health care and well-being services to our Women Veterans remains our highest priority,” Women’s Clinic manager, Bonnie Konkowski, said. “Our new space will greatly enhance our patient’s experience.”
The $16 million expansion also incorporates controlled access to clinical areas, private spaces for social work and mental health services, and a multipurpose room for events like the clinic’s annual baby shower and breast cancer awareness programs. Comprehensive services, including gender-diverse primary and preventative care, gynecology, and urgent care, will also be offered.
“Our Women’s Health Staff are wholeheartedly looking forward to working with our women veterans in a newly built Women’s Health Clinic! I am especially thrilled with the new layout and a lovely waiting room that will feel warm and welcoming,” Ms. Konkowski said, expressing thanks to ICVAHCS executive leadership for prioritizing veteran women’s health.
Valhalla Engineering designed the facility, and Covenant Construction is leading the build. Completion is slated for fall 2026.
