The University of Maryland Shore Regional Health, a major healthcare provider on the Eastern Shore, has received the necessary regulatory approval from the state to construct a new medical center in Easton.
The new facility will be built on a 230-acre site near the intersection of Longwoods Road and U.S. Route 50, replacing the outdated Shore Regional Medical Center in downtown Easton, which was established between 1955 and 1975.
With an estimated cost of $540 million, the project will be funded through a mix of bonds, state funding, public and private donations, and federal grants. Construction is scheduled to commence in the summer of 2025, with completion expected approximately three years later.
Ken Kozel, the president and CEO of Shore Regional Health, expressed excitement about the new hospital’s significance for the community. He stated that this is the largest healthcare undertaking in UM SRH’s history and one of the most significant for the Mid-Shore region.
The Maryland Health Services Cost Review Commission has approved the rate increase application, enabling the healthcare system to adjust its budget to accommodate construction costs. This approval was the final step before site preparations could begin.
UMMS President and CEO Dr. Mohan Suntha described the new medical center in Easton as a milestone for healthcare delivery and rural health improvement on the Eastern Shore.
In conjunction with the rate increase application, Shore Regional Health has committed to devising a plan to enhance community health in the hospital’s vicinity. Progress will be assessed based on factors like patient engagement in outreach programs and services addressing social needs outside of the hospital setting.
The upcoming hospital will include 122 inpatient beds, 25 observation beds, seven operating rooms, 27 emergency department treatment bays, and a helipad. It will also house specialized centers for various medical services.
The next project phase will involve pre-construction activities, including cooperation with the Maryland State Highway Administration to relocate Route 662, as per Shore Regional Health’s announcement.
