Memorial Hospital has announced plans for the most significant renovation and expansion project in its history — an initiative estimated to cost $320 million.

The project will include a five-story addition to the hospital and a parking garage built between the hospital and the recently acquired TB hospital property. The addition will include patient care units with larger patient rooms, more modernized and expanded surgical capabilities, intensive care bed expansion and replacement, updated cardiac catheterization and endovascular labs, and a new main lobby. The facilities will be configured to improve patient convenience, comfort, and support.

"We believe this project is good news for residents who need quality health care, for the economic growth of the community, and for Memorial Health Care System’s overall mission and ministry in this community," said Memorial President Ruth Brinkley.

Memorial was built in the Glenwood community in the early 1950s in response to the wishes, direction, and financial support of Chattanoogans who wanted a faith-based medical facility as an option for health care in the community.  Their vision of excellence was realized in the constructionof the building, which has been the heart of Memorial’s patient care for 54 years.

"Speaking for the 700 physicians on Memorial’s medical staff, I continue to be impressed with the emphasis Memorial places on providing high quality care for our patients in a facility that does need to be updated," said Dr. Eric Conn, a Chattanooga cardiologist. "What a credit to its high quality to be identified as Chattanooga’s only Top 100 Hospital and a Top 100 Heart Hospital by Solucient, which compares quality and cost information from hospitals across the nation."

Brinkley pointed out that Memorial’s original structure is still in good condition.  "But in the near future, elements like plumbing, wiring, windows, and the roof will need to be replaced," she said.

"We realized the need to reinvest in our facilities and technology to prepare Memorial to serve future generations and the growing aging population.We want to continue toward our goal to provide Chattanooga with world-class health care so that no one ever has to leave this area for health care reasons."

Over a two-year period Memorial leadership and the board of directors worked diligently through a comprehensive strategic planning process to establish the vision and future direction of the entire health care system. Rejuvenation of the Glenwood-based facility is a key component of Memorial Health Care System’s overall strategic plan.

During festivities announcing the project Chamber President and CEO Tom Edd Wilson said,"Health care is a critical component of communities looking to enjoy successful growth and development. It sends a strong message to the rest of the world when you’ve got a hospital like Memorial that is willing to make an investment of $320 million."