It was an exciting day for the region on Friday, as Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville broke ground on a $120 million expansion and renovation project to enhance patient care and boost access to services for the communities it serves.
Hospital President Alisa Coleman thanked a long list of supporters and described the groundbreaking as a humbling moment in history because it doesn’t happen very often. She shared the vision of founder Dr. Loman Trover, who believed rural communities deserve the same high-quality healthcare as larger cities.
click to download audioOriginally built in 1977, the hospital has seen several expansions over the years, with additions completed in 1984, 1993, 2001, and 2010.
Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville is currently a seven-story, 175,000-square-foot facility. Coleman remarked that it is only fitting for the hospital to break new ground as part of its ongoing mission to deliver top-quality care right here at home.
She added that, as a joint venture between Baptist Health and Deaconess Hospital—both known for their commitment to quality healthcare, innovation, and a pioneering spirit—the hospital continues to expand access and offer more services within its state-of-the-art facilities.
She said this $120 million project will modernize and expand several key departments within the hospital.
click to download audioColeman emphasized that the project will have a significant impact on the local economy and will improve the quality of life for the entire community.
click to download audioDeaconess Health System CEO Shawn McCoy said their approach focuses on providing care close to home. He explained that before partnering with Baptist Health, many local patients were transferred to Evansville for services not available in Madisonville. He said Deaconess Health believed that investing in services and doctors at the Madisonville facility would help more patients get the care they need locally.
click to download audioOther speakers at the ceremony included Hospital Vice President of Operations, Amanda Wagoner, Board of Directors Chairman, Steve Cox, General Surgeon Joshua Clapp, M.D., and Baptist Health COO Patrick Falvey.
After their remarks, they joined with city, county, and state officials to ceremonially turn the first shovels of dirt, marking the official start of the expansion project.
To hear the full ceremony, click on the audio link below.
