Construction plans for the Regional Medical Center in Easton, Maryland, US, are set to progress after a significant funding commitment made under Maryland’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget.
Earlier this week, Maryland’s Governor Wes Moore released the budget proposal, which includes a $100m allocation for the development of the new facility in Easton.
The new 325,000ft² six-floor Regional Medical Center will have 147 beds.
It will be operated by the University of Maryland Shore Regional Health (UM SRH), a member of UMMS.
The facility is strategically situated on over 200 acres off Longwoods Road, near the intersection of US Route 50 in Talbot County, Maryland.
This site for the Regional Medical Center was chosen for its greater visibility and improved access for emergency transport, as well as the ability to offer sufficient parking for patients, staff, and visitors from the mid-shore region.
The facility will replace the existing hospital in Easton.
The initial announcement to build the new Regional Medical Center was made by UMMS in October 2022.
With the recent budget inclusion, the plans are now advancing towards realisation, signalling a major development in healthcare infrastructure for Easton and its surrounding areas.
Once open, the Regional Medical Center aims to set a new standard in patient-centred care for the Eastern Shore and further enhance the quality of healthcare services available to residents, UMMS said.
UM SRH president and CEO Ken Kozel said: “This commitment from the Moore-Miller Administration and the State of Maryland reflects a remarkable pledge to the future of rural health care and to the people of the Eastern Shore of Maryland.
“Our patients and communities will benefit from this investment for generations, as will our team members, who will have the opportunity to deliver world-class care in a modern facility. Today's news is an incredible step forward, and we offer our most sincere thanks to the governor, lieutenant governor, and our dedicated delegation to the General Assembly.”
