Groundbreaking for Grady's new freestanding ER

ATLANTA - Grady Health System broke ground on a new freestanding emergency department in South Fulton, a move officials say will help address a critical gap in access to emergency medical care.

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What we know:

The 20,000-square-foot facility will feature 16 treatment bays and be staffed to handle serious and life-threatening conditions. In addition to emergency care, the site will offer imaging, laboratory services, a pharmacy, and other essential resources.

Unlike traditional hospital emergency rooms, freestanding ERs do not have inpatient units. If a patient needs to be admitted, they must be transported by ambulance or helicopter to a hospital that can provide continued care.

The site of the future emergency department.

What they're saying:

Funding for the project is being provided by Fulton County and the federal government. Leaders say the new facility will bring much-needed relief to a region that has been described as a "healthcare desert," following the closures of Atlanta Medical Center and Atlanta Medical Center South.

"In an area of our state's largest county that has been in need of an ER like this for quite some time, Georgians will now have the access from one of these great freestanding emergency departments here in our state," said Gov. Brian Kemp. "We've seen firsthand how important they are, but also how effective they are. This facility literally will save lives."

"For too long, residents of the South Fulton community, myself included, have faced barriers in assessing timely emergency medical care," said senior vice president and chief health equity officer at Grady Health Systems, Dr. Yolanda Wimberly. "Whether it was a long drive to the nearest emergency department, especially for those of us who live south of I-20, it could take from 20 to 45 minutes to be able to have emergency medical services. And that's without traffic."

Union City Mayor Vince Williams says, "This is history in the making. We are so excited."

"I've been in Union City for 49 years and this is one of the most exciting times to be here to have healthcare on the Southside where we are in a healthcare desert," said resident Marilyn McCain.

Why you should care:

Currently, residents in South Fulton often face travel times of up to 40 minutes to reach emergency services. Grady’s expansion aims to reduce those delays and improve health outcomes in the underserved area.