Health care

Hospital giant HCA is launching a multi-year, multimillion-dollar upgrade one of its local facilities, increasing the total space by about 15 percent.

The health system has set up shop in Shockoe Bottom, the first large-scale health firm to move into the neighborhood. The new office is aimed at drawing in some of the Bottom’s growing number of young residents for preventative care.

Shortly after resigning as head of Bon Secours’ Richmond operations, Peter Bernard announced he will step down as CEO of the larger Virginia healthcare system. And the $2 billion organization is vetting three employees as his potential replacement.

The health group has finalized its takeover of a hospital about 70 miles away from Richmond, extending its reach into the Northern Neck.

VCU Health System is adding another large project to its agenda. A $28 million gift announced Tuesday will allow the hospital group to add a children’s heart surgery center to one of its current downtown facilities.

VCU Health System celebrated the kick-off of its new children’s psychiatric facility on Thursday.

Medical testing firm Health Diagnostic Laboratory has filed a 43-page response to an insurance provider’s claims that the company inflated bills and unfairly promised out-of-network patients free services.

The first chopper landed on Chippenham Hospital’s new helipad on Tuesday, and HCA hopes the $1.1 million addition will help boost the hospital’s trauma designation.

The health giant is divvying up responsibilities and has put the head of a local hospital in charge of its Richmond operations.

Construction at the upcoming VCU Children’s Pavilion reached a peak yesterday as crews installed the highest beam in the project.