Indiana University (IU) Health has announced plans for a new hospital in Fort Wayne, six years following the opening of its IU Health Primary Care Fort Wayne – South location.

The $421m project, approved by the IU Health board of directors, aims to enhance access to affordable, high-quality healthcare.

IU Health CEO and president Dennis Murphy said: "We've heard the community’s call for more options in affordable healthcare, and as the state’s largest and only academic health system, we are committed to answering that need in support of our vision to make Indiana one of the healthiest states in the country.

“We believe we can help create a healthier future and reduce the economic burden for businesses and families alike."

The new facility will feature 140 beds, 17 emergency department exam rooms, and six operating rooms; three catheterisation labs for advanced cardiac procedures; three to four endoscopy rooms for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures.

IU Health has significantly expanded its services since 2018, adding eight locations and serving over 30,000 patients.

The upcoming hospital will also include a medical office building to streamline patient care.

IU Health's investment will also bring employment opportunities, with plans to hire 500 team members and 60 additional providers.

IU Health Northeast Region president Brian Bauer highlighted the hospital's role as a "cornerstone of our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare to all Hoosiers."

The new hospital is expected to open its doors to patients in the second quarter of 2027, signifying a new chapter in healthcare for Indiana's Northeast Region.