MADISONVILLE, Ky. — Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville hosted a groundbreaking ceremony on Friday, April 17, 2026, marking the start of a major hospital expansion and renovation project aimed at enhancing patient care, improving access to services, and supporting the growing healthcare needs of the region.
Hospital leaders, community officials, and project partners gathered to celebrate the beginning of construction on the transformative $120 million project, which will modernize and expand several key departments within the hospital’s seven-story, 175,000-square-foot facility. Originally constructed in 1977, the hospital has undergone several additions over the years, including expansions completed in 1984, 1993, 2001, and 2010.
“It is fitting that this hospital is again breaking new ground to continue to provide the best care possible right here at home,” stated Alisa Coleman, President of Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville. “As a joint venture between Baptist Health and Deaconess Health – two health systems that also believe in quality healthcare close to home, in innovation, and in a pioneering spirit, we are continuing to expand access to care and growing the number of services we can provide right here inside state-of-the-art facilities.“
The new project will help accommodate increased patient volumes, expand the hospital’s service capabilities, and improve operational efficiency while supporting continued population growth and outreach in the region.
“This project will also have a significant impact on our local economy and the quality of life for our community,” added Coleman. “It will assist our city and county as they continue their efforts to recruit new businesses to our area, and it will enable us to provide the care our growing population will need. The result will be a better work environment for our team and a quieter, more conducive healing environment for our patients.”
Key components of the project include improvements to the hospital’s Emergency Department, Behavioral Health Unit, Surgery Department, Oncology services, and critical facility infrastructure.
Emergency Department Expansion
The hospital’s existing Emergency Department currently serves approximately 80 patients per day and has been operating at capacity. As part of the project, a 5,645-square-foot one-story addition will be constructed to expand the department and create a new patient arrival canopy.
Interior renovations will improve patient flow, increase treatment capacity, enhance patient privacy, and improve staff visibility throughout the department. The redesigned space will also include expanded storage, dedicated physician work areas, and two behavioral health treatment rooms located away from the main entrance to improve safety for staff and visitors.
Behavioral Health Renovation
The Behavioral Health Unit will also undergo significant improvements to better meet the growing demand for inpatient services. The renovated unit will include a 7-bed geriatric behavioral health unit and a 15-bed adult inpatient unit, along with design features that enhance safety for patients and staff.
Surgery Department Expansion
The Surgery Department will be expanded through a 10,000-square-foot addition along with nearly 15,000 square feet of renovation within the existing facility.
The project will add ten new operating rooms, each approximately 700 square feet in size—significantly larger than the hospital’s current operating rooms. Updated sterile processing areas and improved workflow will help reduce turnover time between procedures and improve overall surgical efficiency.
Expanded Oncology Services
The Oncology Department will receive a 5,713-square-foot addition and 7,500 square feet of renovation to improve access and patient comfort.
The redesigned area will feature a new entry and expanded waiting space, six exam rooms for medical oncology providers, and a new infusion center with 20 infusion treatment positions, including six stretcher stations. The updated space will also include two exam rooms dedicated to radiation oncology.
Infrastructure Improvements
In addition to clinical upgrades, the project includes substantial improvements to the hospital’s infrastructure systems. These upgrades will include higher-capacity chillers, a new refrigerant monitoring system, updated domestic hot water and steam systems, and new modular air handling units. A small addition will also be constructed near the hospital’s central energy plant to house a relocated fire pump and ensure code compliance.
Hospital officials said the investment will strengthen the facility’s ability to provide high-quality healthcare while preparing for the future needs of the community.
Construction is now underway, with the improvements expected to significantly enhance patient care, improve efficiency for healthcare providers, and expand services for residents across the region.
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Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville is licensed for 410 acute and skilled care beds with a special emphasis on community outreach and training students to provide medical care in rural areas. For its patients, the hospital has clinics conveniently located in nearby communities to provide care close to home. Overall, Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville offers 59 points of care by a network of providers representing a wide variety of specialties.
Specialized, comprehensive services include the Jack L. Hamman Heart & Vascular Center for heart care, including electrophysiology, the Merle M. Mahr Cancer Center and mother and baby care, including a neonatal intensive care unit (NICU). Recognized as a pioneer, Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville was the first Kentucky hospital outside a metropolitan area to offer open heart surgery.
The hospital has earned Pathway to Excellence® designation for excellence in nursing services by the American Nursing Credentialing Center.
In 2012, the hospital – formerly known as the Trover Clinic and Regional Medical Center -- joined Baptist Health and in 2021 became Baptist Health Deaconess Madisonville, a joint venture of Baptist Health and Deaconess Health systems. Learn more at BaptistHealthDeaconess.com.