Foley, AL – (OBA®) – South Baldwin Regional Medical Center is moving ahead to finalize design work for a $186-million dollar project to expand and modernize the hospital after receiving certificate of need approval from the Alabama State Health Planning and Development Agency.

The construction project is the largest ever undertaken at the hospital. Work on the design, pricing and planning is expected take most of this year, with site work and renovation starting by the end of 2021.

“Our patients count on us for quality, medical services close to home,” Tim Frerichs, M.D., Orthopaedic Surgeon and Chief of Surgery for the hospital, said. “With the updates to the facility and increased surgical care areas, we expect to provide even more types of surgery here in the community when the expansion is complete.”

The goal for the expansion and renovation is creating an enhanced patient experience through a facility designed to provide the highest quality care. Entry will be through a new main lobby and registration to access patient care areas created to support healing and comfort. The exterior façade and finishes throughout the hospital will reflect the CMS five-star care provided within.

“With today’s approval from the State Health Planning and Development Agency, we can move forward with this project to enhance the patient experience and support our caregivers in their work to provide compassionate, quality care,” Eric Roach, South Baldwin Regional Medical Center CEO, said. “We extend our sincere appreciation for the support of our South Baldwin Regional Board of Trustees, our associates, medical staff members, community mayors, city councils, county leaders and citizens throughout our service area. Access to quality healthcare is critical to the current and future success of our region’s economic development and quality of life and we appreciate the ongoing support we receive from the South Baldwin Healthcare Authority.”

Plans include the addition of a 133,433 square foot, four-story patient tower with a new surgical department on the first floor with a new dedicated outpatient entrance. The tower’s second and third floors will contain nursing units, including a new, larger intensive care unit. The future fourth floor shell space can be built out in the future to increase the bed count based on community need.