Mercy Health will celebrate the opening and blessing of a new neurointensive care unit at St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital today.

The $20 million renovation transformed the hospital's fifth floor into a facility designed for patients recovering from strokes, brain surgeries, and spinal procedures. The project increases the number of beds dedicated to neurocritical care from four to 16.

Construction crews stripped the previous interior down to the concrete frame to rebuild the space. The floor formerly housed the hospital's rehabilitation services before a separate rehabilitation hospital opened.

Hospital administrators said the new unit features a layout created with input from clinical staff to improve safety and workflow. The design includes specialized workstations and a designated area for patient families.

St. Elizabeth Youngstown Hospital operates as a Level I Trauma Center. Officials said the expansion addresses the need for advanced neurological treatment among the region's aging population.