Baystate Health has announced plans to establish a new community health centre in Springfield, Massachusetts, US to centralise medical services for children, families, and adults.
The development of this centre is being supported by nearly 10 acres of land donation, which is estimated to be valued at $5m, and financing from MassMutual along with an additional $5m contribution over the next five years from the MassMutual Foundation.
Additional state and federal grants are also expected to support the project.
The entire project is valued around $45m to $50m.
The proposed approximately 90,000ft² facility will be situated at the intersection of Wilbraham Road and Alden Street in Springfield, offering easy access to public transportation and major roads.
It will provide a range of behavioural health, primary care, as well as ancillary services.
MassMutual will prepare the 10-acre site for Baystate Health by clearing existing structures and subdividing the land.
Construction of the new facility is expected to start in 2025, with completion expected in 2027.
MassMutual's donation of the land is part of its commitment to the community and optimisation of its 100-acre Springfield campus.
The digitisation strategy has consolidated MassMutual's operations, leaving parts of its property underutilised. The health centre project represents a meaningful use of this space.
Baystate Health will consolidate services from four of its current health centres into the new facility.
The existing health centres, including Baystate High Street Pediatrics, The Mason Square Neighborhood Health Center, Baystate High Street Health Center, and Wesson Women’s Clinic, face infrastructure challenges.
The upcoming centre will address all these issues, allowing for the expansion of services.
This transition will enhance the delivery of care and is anticipated to increase patient visits from 125,000 to 145,000 annually by 2028.
The health system is engaging with the community and local leaders to ensure a smooth transition and to meet the area's healthcare needs effectively.
Baystate Health president and CEO Mark Keroack said: “Thanks to the generous donations and substantial support provided by MassMutual and MassMutual Foundation, Baystate Health’s vision to create a comprehensive, integrated community health and wellness centre to serve the most vulnerable populations in Greater Springfield can advance towards realisation.”