HARVEST – Crestwood Medical Center plans to build an ER in the Harvest community. The hospital was recently awarded a Certificate of Need from the Alabama State Health Planning & Development Agency to build the freestanding emergency department (FSED). Construction will begin soon with the facility to begin serving patients in 2024.

The Crestwood Medical Center ER – Harvest will be located at the corner of Highway 53 and Burwell Road and will provide emergency services 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Once opened, the Crestwood Medical Center ER – Harvest will be the first freestanding emergency department in north Alabama. According to a press release from Crestwood, it will bring emergency services closer to residents of one of the fastest growing communities in the state and will reduce patient wait-times at other emergency departments. The facility will offer the same services as the emergency department at Crestwood Medical Center in Huntsville.

“The leaders of this community have an incredible vision for the future of this area and we are honored to be a part of this rapid growth,” said Matthew Banks, Crestwood Medical Center Chief Executive Officer. “Currently, residents depend on the heroic efforts of volunteer fire departments and local emergency medical services (EMS) for emergency healthcare. We are committed to bringing more access to healthcare services that the residents need and deserve.”

Emergency physicians, registered nurses, and other patient care professionals will staff the ER. “Similar to any hospital emergency department, the new Crestwood ER will be equipped to treat patients with illnesses and injuries that require a higher level of care than urgent care facilities offer,” Crestwood stated.

The 11,047 square foot facility will have 10 private patient rooms with radiology and lab services on site, and a helicopter pad for patient transfer.

“Many emergency services can be effectively managed at a freestanding emergency department without the need for transfer to a traditional hospital setting,” stated the press release. “If a higher level of care is required, a patient can be transported quickly to Crestwood Medical Center or the facility of their choice.”

Doster Construction Company (with offices in Huntsville, Birmingham, and Nashville) has been retained for the project.