‘Game-changers for their communities’: UAB plans 3rd freestanding ED

Birmingham, Ala.-based UAB Health System is planning a third freestanding emergency department, this time in Oxford, Ala.

UAB St. Vincent’s St. Clair has filed a letter of intent with the Alabama State Health Planning and Development Agency to seek a certificate of need for the project.

The proposed freestanding ED would be developed through a joint venture between UAB Health System, the city of Oxford and Oxford Health Systems, the city’s healthcare authority. 

Oxford Mayor Alton Craft said the city’s rapid growth has outpaced its healthcare infrastructure, creating a need for additional emergency services.

“We approached UAB to fill this need in our community because we know they represent world-class patient care,” Mr. Craft said in a March 20 news release. “This project is only the beginning of healthcare transformation in our region.”

UAB Health System CEO Dawn Bulgarella said proximity to care is a key driver of community health outcomes.

“This project expands care options for Oxford and surrounding communities,” Ms. Bulgarella said. “It will enhance access and support continued improvement of health outcomes across the region.”

She added that the partnership would connect patients in the region to UAB’s broader care delivery network, improving access to specialty care while leveraging scale to help manage costs.

UAB Medicine currently operates freestanding emergency departments in Gardendale, Hoover and Trussville.

“Our other freestanding emergency departments have been game-changers for their communities,” Ms. Bulgarella said. “We hope to make this one a reality in partnership with the city of Oxford soon.”

Additional details, including the facility’s location and timeline, are expected to be announced at a later date.

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