UC Davis Health celebrates grand opening for 48X Complex

UC Davis Health hosted a ribbon-cutting at the 48X Complex, a state-of-the-art outpatient surgery center that is one of the largest in the nation. Representatives from the health system, surrounding Oak Park neighborhood and community leaders joined in the celebration on June 25.

Located at the intersection of 48th and X Streets in Sacramento, this four-story, 268,000-square-foot facility addresses the growing demand for same-day or overnight surgical services and exemplifies UC Davis Health's commitment to innovation and excellence. The $589 million modern surgical center reflects a shift toward more convenient, same-day procedures that help patients recover without the need for a hospital stay. It will see its first patients next Tuesday.

"The 48X Complex represents a bold step forward in how we approach health care delivery," said Michael Condrin, interim CEO and chief operating officer for UC Davis Health. "With the growing demand for outpatient surgery, the desire for more convenient and personalized care and the rise of minimally invasive procedures, we are advancing the way care is provided, ensuring the highest-quality care for patients throughout Northern California, the Central Valley and beyond."

Condrin added that the new facility will generate more than 550 new jobs, a commitment that the health system has made to the local area.

Enhancing surgical capacity and patient experience

The 48X Complex is designed to expand the capacity for adult same-day surgery at UC Davis Medical Center. This project delivers a leading-edge health care facility designed to deliver excellent patient care, support recovery and provide important health services in one place. It combines modern treatment spaces with essential support areas to serve both patients and staff.

Once fully operational, the new facility will be one of the largest outpatient surgery centers in the country, based on the number of operating and procedure rooms.

Key features:

• 14 operating rooms for surgeries
• 59 recovery bays for before and after procedures
• 14 private recovery rooms for patients staying up to 23 hours
• 96 exam rooms for check-ups and medical visits
• 19 clinical treatment rooms for specific procedures

“Today’s grand opening of the 48X Complex marks the latest chapter in bringing Vision 2030 to life. It’s a state-of-the-art surgery center that’s among the largest of its kind in the nation,” said UC Davis Chancellor Gary S. May. “The 48X Complex also positions UC Davis Health as a national leader in ambulatory surgical capabilities. I appreciate all the vision and teamwork in making projects like 48X come to life. Together, we are not only redefining patient care, we are setting the stage for the future of health care.”

“48X allows us to serve patients whose most precious resource is their time,” said Diana L. Farmer, chair of the Department of Surgery at UC Davis Health. “You can have outpatient surgery – same-day surgery or overnight surgery – and then get back to your regular activities without having to stay in the hospital. It’s patient-friendly and tailored for efficiency with the most advanced technology.”

The first phase welcomes patients this July 1. It includes the extended recovery unit, retail and compounding pharmacies, radiology and imaging, and several operating rooms. By relocating outpatient surgeries to this dedicated center, UC Davis Health aims to reduce wait times for elective procedures and enhance the overall patient experience.

Other clinics, such as orthopaedics, urology, neurosurgery and transplant will open beginning in January 2026. This integrated approach ensures that patients receive coordinated and efficient care under one roof. There are also public areas for visitors and families.

Regional growth

48X is one of the projects that will add an historical 1 million square feet to UC Davis this year. The expansion of the C Street Clinic in East Sacramento opened on May 8. By 2030, more than 3.5 million square feet of new facilities will have opened, including the 14-story California Tower, which replaces existing parts of the medical center due to state seismic laws. In addition, there are expansions in Elk Grove, Rocklin and Folsom, where the new facilities open in August. It is the largest health system capital improvement program in the United States today.

“We are passionate about meeting the needs of our patients and their families. We know the demand for outpatient surgery is going to grow dramatically in the coming years,” said UC Davis Health Interim Vice Chancellor of Human Health Sciences and Chief Clinical Officer Bruce Hall. “The future of care delivery is to meet patients where they need us, when they need us, and how they need us, which might mean outpatient, in their home, or even virtual; and enabled by new medical technologies such as wearable devices. We are trying to put patients at the center of what we do, ensuring they feel listened to, heard, respected, and valued. These are all key elements in healing and creating long-term health partnerships with the patients and families we will serve in this new center.”

A commitment to sustainability

The successful completion of the 48X Complex is the result of a collaborative effort between UC Davis Health and its project partners. DPR Construction served as the contractor and SmithGroup provided architectural design services.

In line with UC Davis Health's dedication to environmental stewardship, the 48X Complex is designed to exceed UC Sustainable Practices Policy energy efficiency goals and is on track for LEED Certification. This reflects a focus on creating healthy, highly efficient, and cost-saving green buildings.