|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
On Friday, U.S. Representative Terri Sewell (AL-07) toured the newly completed UAB Medical West Hospital in Bessemer, Alabama, alongside key figures from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the local healthcare community. Joining Rep. Sewell were USDA Under Secretary for Rural Development Dr. Basil Gooden, USDA State Director for Rural Development Nivory Gordon, and UAB Medical West CEO Keith Pennington.
The hospital’s construction was made possible in part by a $360 million USDA Community Facilities Direct Loan, which Rep. Sewell played a crucial role in securing in 2022. The funding underscores the federal commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure in rural and underserved communities.
“I was so grateful for the opportunity to tour the newly completed UAB Medical West Hospital this morning,” said Rep. Sewell. “This project would not have been possible without an outpouring of community support, including the monumental $360 million USDA loan that we secured for its construction. This premiere, state-of-the-art facility is a testament to the power of community partnerships, and I can’t wait to see the impact it will have on the residents of Jefferson County and the surrounding areas.”
Located at 5000 Medical West Way, the new facility is an expansive addition to the region’s healthcare landscape. The 412,000-square-foot, 9-story hospital houses 200 beds, while the adjoining 127,000-square-foot, 7-story medical office building provides comprehensive medical services. The hospital features cutting-edge amenities, including a new surgical and endoscopy suite with robotic surgery capabilities, 12 operating rooms, advanced imaging technology, and additional intensive care beds.
Reflecting its commitment to patient-centered care, each floor of the hospital is themed around Alabama’s native flora, creating a serene environment for healing. The grounds include a pond with walking trails, rocking chairs, fireplaces, and patient rooms with floor-to-ceiling windows, fostering a holistic atmosphere of wellness for patients, staff, visitors, and the broader community.
This new facility represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of Jefferson County and stands as a beacon of the positive impact that federal, state, and local partnerships can achieve.
