St. George Regional Hospital is shaking up the healthcare landscape in southern Utah with a bold move that could redefine medical accessibility in the region. The hospital’s groundbreaking on a new three-story, 42,000-square-foot surgical wing isn’t just about adding space; it’s about bringing cutting-edge medical services closer to home for thousands of residents. This is more than a construction project; it’s a statement about the future of healthcare in the region.
The new wing, the largest expansion since the 2018 cancer center, will address a critical issue: capacity. Dr. Edward Prince, the surgical services director, likens the current situation to a “full bowling alley,” where new surgeons can only be accommodated when existing staff take vacations or finish with patients. The new wing will add four more operating rooms, easing the strain and allowing for the recruitment of new specialists.
But the implications go beyond mere numbers. The new space opens the door to complex procedures that are currently unavailable in the region. Dr. Prince is already eyeing transplant services, a significant leap that would keep patients closer to their families during critical times. “We don’t do any transplants,” Prince said. “That’s a big program. We have to develop the program, recruit the surgeons and everything, but it starts with the space. So if we can get the space, we can start looking at that.”
The project, led by Oakland Construction’s Jared Francon, is more than a job for the community. It’s a personal investment. “It means a lot to me and my family,” Francon said. “We participate. We use the services of these facilities… One of the reasons I like healthcare work is we’re building something that’s going to give back to the community for decades.”
The new wing will occupy what is now a staff parking lot, a strategic move that maximizes the hospital’s footprint without encroaching on new land. This isn’t just about adding infrastructure; it’s about optimizing resources and ensuring that every square foot serves a purpose.
The ripple effects of this development could be profound. It could attract more medical professionals to the region, fostering a talent pool that could further diversify and enhance medical services. It could also stimulate local economic growth, as more patients stay local for treatment, supporting nearby businesses and services.
However, it’s not all smooth sailing. The project will face challenges, from managing construction timelines to integrating new technology. But if the past is any indicator, St. George Regional Hospital is up to the task. The new surgical wing is expected to be completed in about 18 months, a timeline that, if met, will mark a significant milestone in the hospital’s history and the region’s medical landscape.
This development isn’t just about bricks and mortar; it’s about building a future where patients don’t have to travel hours for complex procedures, where families can stay together during critical times, and where the healthcare system is robust enough to support a growing population. It’s about challenging the status quo and pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in regional healthcare.
