University Health briefs county on hospital openings, new services

August 10, 2026 - 03:04

Officials highlighted that two major facility projects are on track to open before the end of the year. The new north campus hospital will add 120 beds, with a focus on cardiac care and outpatient surgery. A separate women's health center is scheduled to open in the spring, offering expanded maternity services and a dedicated neonatal intensive care unit.

Beyond the new buildings, the health system is rolling out several service expansions. These include a mobile health unit for rural areas, an expanded behavioral health program for adolescents, and a telemedicine partnership with local clinics. The goal, according to the presentation, is to reduce emergency room wait times and improve access to primary care in underserved parts of the county.

The proposed tax rate is slightly lower than the current rate, though rising property values mean the total levy will still increase. Commissioners did not vote on the budget. A public hearing is set for next month, with a final vote expected after that. Several commissioners asked for more detail on staffing costs and how the new services will be sustained beyond the first year.