East Georgia Regional Medical Center Announces $16 Million Emergency Department Project
10/2/2026
Expansion will increase capacity and add new treatment areas, triage areas and waiting areas
STATESBORO, GA — East Georgia Regional Medical Center (EGRMC) is launching a $16 million multi-phase expansion and renovation of its emergency department (ED). The project follows the hospital's recent major advancements in technology and support services in early 2026 and the beginning of the cardiac catheterization lab expansion this spring. The emergency department will remain fully operational throughout the construction, which is slated for completion in late 2027.
The expansion is a direct response to a growing regional demand for emergency medical services. In 2025 alone, East Georgia Regional Medical Center provided emergency care for more than 53,000 patients.
Key Project Features
- 6,118 SF addition
- Twelve new treatment rooms to increase overall patient capacity
- Two new fast-track bays dedicated to treating lower-acuity patients quickly
- Modernized entry and triage areas designed to streamline patient intake
- Expanded workspaces for emergency care physicians, clinicians, and support teams
- Forty-three total patient treatment areas upon completion of the entire project
- Spacious main waiting areas and redesigned layouts to improve patient flow and comfort
- New dedicated parking areas specifically for emergency department patients and visitors
Hospital Leadership Statements
“As the Bulloch County and Southeast Georgia area and surrounding communities continue to experience rapid growth, the need for increased emergency care capacity has become increasingly important,” said Cheri Wagner, director of emergency services for East Georgia Regional Medical Center. “The emergency department expansion project reflects East Georgia Regional Medical Center’s commitment to expanding access to high-quality emergency care while maintaining safe operations throughout construction.”
“This $16 million investment will greatly increase our medical center’s ability to efficiently help those needing immediate emergent care,” said Stephen Pennington, chief eExecutive officer of East Georgia Regional Medical Center. “This much-needed project will provide the optimal space to accommodate the growing needs of our patient population and medical professionals. The quality and safety of our patients, visitors, employees and physicians remain our top priority throughout this work, and we are incredibly proud of our ED team, from physicians to clinicians and support staff, who deliver exceptional care every day.”
The increased space will make the emergency department more than 10,000 square feet to care for people with serious illnesses and injuries.
Operations and Community Impact
The expansion aligns with EGRMC's status as an Accredited Chest Pain Center with Primary PCI from the American College of Cardiology and a Primary Stroke Center certified by The Joint Commission and the American Stroke Association. By strengthening partnerships with local EMS agencies, the hospital ensures a seamless transition of high-quality care from the field to the facility. This project is a key component of a broader campus expansion that includes two new operating rooms, an upgraded catheterization lab, and a new ambulance bay and helipad with direct emergency access. To support this growth, the hospital is actively recruiting clinical and support staff for the expanded emergency department.
Temporary Logistics During Construction
To accommodate construction, the main emergency department entrance will temporarily relocate to the hospital’s main outpatient entrance beginning in late October. Hospital leadership has carefully planned this transition to minimize disruption for patients, visitors, and staff while ensuring uninterrupted 24/7 emergency access.
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