Health & Wellness

Projected Growth of Region, Complexity of Patient Care Necessitates Strategic Investment by Health System

August 29, 2025 – Memorial Health has unveiled plans for a new, state-of-the-art emergency department (ED) on its hospital campus, representing an estimated $56 million investment.

Chip Hubbs, President & CEO for Memorial Health, shares, “This new emergency department is a transformational project aimed at meeting the rapidly growing healthcare needs of the region. With population growth and emergency visits continuing to rise, the expansion will increase ED capacity, enhance patient experience, and support the next generation of patient care. Our ED has served its community well for nearly three decades, but the volume, complexity, and acuity of today’s patients — and tomorrow’s projected growth – make it clear: the time to expand is now.”

Opened in 1998, Memorial Hospital’s ED was built to serve a much smaller and less complex patient population. At that time, Union County’s population was just under 39,000, and the ED saw approximately 14,000 annual visits. Union County’s population is projected to reach approximately 100,000 by 2050, with ED visits projected to rise to between 29,000 and 37,000 annually by 2050.

Furthermore, the department was designed in an era when patients were typically less acutely ill, and care required fewer diagnostic tools and less equipment. Spence Fisher, Executive Vice President for Memorial, provides additional context. “Over the last 27 years, the nature of emergency care has changed significantly. Patients today arrive older, sicker, and with more complex medical conditions. Treatment now depends heavily on advanced imaging, laboratory diagnostics, and integrated specialty care.”

Fisher continues, “This project reflects our commitment to delivering timely, compassionate, and high-quality emergency care to every patient who walks through our doors. As our region grows, so must our ability to serve it. This major project ensures Memorial remains ready – not only for today’s challenges, but for the needs of tomorrow.”

Project highlights include:

• 24 Treatment Rooms: including specialized rooms for trauma, behavioral health, pediatrics, and isolation. An increase from the 15 current rooms.
• Best-in-Class Layout: designed for rapid triage and efficient care team collaboration. Layout will be optimized to improve patient flow and reduce wait times.
• Safety Improvements: increased space for security and separation of ambulance and public entry/drop-off. Parking lot design will be changed to improve accessibility into the building.
• Improved Patient and Family Experience: with private rooms, natural light, and dedicated waiting and consultation areas.
• A Team Approach: design feedback has been solicited from physicians, nurses, and Emergency Medical Services (EMS) providers to meet real-world care needs.

Hubbs concludes, “This project is a strategic, forward-looking investment. The current Emergency Department no longer meets the demands of a rapidly growing and aging population. A new, right-sized, patient-focused Emergency Department is not a luxury—it is a necessity. This $56 million investment directly improves patient care, supports frontline staff, and strengthens our community’s ability to thrive. The return is measured not only in lives saved and care improved—but in the health, confidence, and resilience of our region.”

Construction is expected to begin in 2026 with a continuation of current ED operations during the build phases.