HUNTSVILLE, Ala. (WHNT) — The hospital system is waiting on State approval to make some major upgrades.
The hospital system is just awaiting approval by the State of Alabama to build the FEDs in Hampton Cove and north Huntsville. In addition to these two new buildings, the existing emergency department at Madison Hospital will grow by six beds, increasing capacity by 25%.
“We do have a lot of growth in the city of Madison and the surrounding area. And one thing we try to do is always be prepared,” Huntsville Hospital CEO Jeff Samz said.
Samz said the rapid growth is causing stressed resources at both the downtown Huntsville and Madison hospitals.
“People in Madison love that hospital, and they use the E.R. a lot. And we want to make sure we make it big enough that folks in the city of Madison don’t have to wait,” he said.
The CEO also estimates that the investment in each free-standing emergency department would be $30 million, including construction and equipment. No details were released as to the exact locations of the proposed FEDs.
“Having emergency care closer to where people have the emergency has to help,” Samz said. “I think as much as anything, it will make it so much more convenient for people in those communities to get care and reduce the demand on the trauma center downtown, so we can take care of people in the right place at the right time.”
Samz said the hospital has submitted a letter of intent to the State of Alabama and will formally apply for a Certificate of Need later this summer.
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