Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center (EMRMC) hosted local, state and federal dignitaries and other guests at a ceremonial groundbreaking today. The event marks the ceremonial beginning of a $120 million expansion on the Medical Center campus that will improve the access to care for individuals in Boyle and the surrounding counties who utilize EMRMC’s services.
On hand for the ceremony were Lt. Gov. Jacqueline Coleman, U.S. Congressman James Comer, and several state legislators including Senator Amanda Bledsoe and Rep. Daniel Elliott. In addition, local government officials and area economic development leaders attended the ceremony.
The expansion project is a multi-year process that involves a variety of small and large projects, with all projects expected to be completed in 2028. The project will involve the expansion of the emergency department, along with the creation of a three-story tower that will allow for expanding clinical services and the relocation of the helipad to be on campus. The Behavioral Health Unit will also be relocating for this project, which allows for expansion and renovated space. In addition, the project will result in a new front entrance for the hospital. It will be coupled with additional on-campus parking, allowing for a better experience for patients, visitors and Associates of EMRMC.
Already, work is under way to develop Ephraim McDowell owned property adjacent to the hospital’s South Wing in order to improve parking on the EMRMC campus. Once completed in December, the property will provide more than 200 parking spaces that patients and visitors will use during the expansion of EMRMC.
In addition, a renovation of the fifth floor at EMRMC is now under way to provide for the relocation of the Behavioral Health Unit, which currently occupies the fourth floor of what is known as the North Building (the oldest part of EMRMC located near the intersection of Third and Walnut streets). That project is expected to be completed in June 2025.
“We are excited to begin this project, which will greatly enhance the services that Ephraim McDowell Regional Medical Center provides while also being beneficial to the downtown Danville community,” said Daniel McKay, president and chief executive officer of Ephraim McDowell Health.