Huntsville Hospital Health System has announced that it is seeking approval to make an historic investment in emergency services for the community. Upon approval by the State of Alabama, Huntsville Hospital will build two free-standing emergency departments (FEDs)—in Hampton Cove and in north Huntsville. At Madison Hospital, the existing emergency department will grow by six beds, increasing capacity by 25 percent.

Jeff Samz, President and CEO of Huntsville Hospital Health System, said, “No area of the state is growing more rapidly than the Huntsville community. Our hospital system has been the backbone of health care here for 130 years. We’re committed to doing whatever it takes to address current needs and to prepare for even more growth in the future.”

Samz said the hospital has submitted a letter of intent to the State of Alabama and will formally apply for a Certificate of Need later this summer.

“We hope to fast-track these projects upon approval. Our plan would be to complete the design this winter and begin construction of the FEDs in the spring of 2026,” he said. “The project at Madison Hospital is already underway.”

Samz estimated that the investment in each free-standing emergency department would be $30 million, including construction and equipment. No details were released as to exact locations of the proposed FEDs.

“All of us know the growth challenges that our community is facing. We are taking definitive steps to increase access to emergency care in every part of our community. The health care investment that we will make in north Huntsville will be the largest ever made there. It will be historic. We look forward to receiving approval, so we can get started.”