Oxford to get first freestanding emergency department in partnership with UAB

Oxford will soon be home to a new freestanding emergency department, thanks to a partnership with the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Health System.

UAB St. Vincent’s St. Clair has filed a letter of intent with the Alabama State Health Planning and Development Agency, expressing a need of the new facility in Oxford.

The proposed project will be a joint effort between the city, UAB and Oxford’s Health Care Authority with the goal of improving the overall health of the region.

“This project is only the beginning of health care transformation in our region. Oxford created its health care authority specifically to pursue partnerships like this one that expand access to high-quality health care services for the people of Oxford and East Alabama. This partnership is the foundation. We are partnering to bring one of the world’s leaders in health care, UAB Medicine, right here to Oxford.”

Alton Craft, Oxford mayor

Craft said the city’s growth has outpaced its healthcare infrastructure, including the need of a new emergency department.

UAB Medicine

UAB has already opened freestanding emergency departments in Gardendale, Hoover and Trussville but this will be the furthest location from the hospital’s main campus.

UAB Health System CEO Dawn Bulgarella said this project is important because proximity to care has a significant effect on the overall health and well-being of a community.

The goal is expand care options for Oxford and other east Alabama communities, enhancing access and support.

“Our other freestanding emergency departments have been game-changers for their communities. We hope to make this one a reality in partnership with the City of Oxford soon.”

Dawn Bulgarella, UAB Health System CEO 

The city’s partnership with UAB is expected to help connect the region to the health system’s care delivery network, creating reduced costs and giving patients in the region better access to UAB’s medical expertise, specialties and resources.

“The City of Oxford does not want to settle for second best, which is why we reached out to UAB Health System. There is no other hospital or health system, none, that can bring to Oxford the kind of quality care and operational excellence that UAB can. This partnership represents an important step in building a long-term relationship between UAB Medicine and the Oxford community as we work together to expand access to high-quality health care services in East Alabama.”

Tom Dixon, Oxford Health Systems CEO

The location of the proposed project and an expected timeline for its opening will be announced at a later date.

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