Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital in Albany, Georgia, has officially opened the second phase of its Emergency & Trauma Center. The unveiling took place on Wednesday morning, marking a significant milestone in the hospital’s ongoing commitment to enhance emergency medical services in the region.
Deb Angerami, President of Phoebe, expressed her excitement, stating, “We’ve been looking forward to this day since we opened the Trauma & Critical Care Tower last January.” The newly completed section includes a dedicated behavioral health wing, setting it apart from other facilities in south Georgia.
The expansion features a spacious lobby, six additional private triage rooms, 14 new vertical treatment bays, and nine private patient care rooms. A conference room and a large break and locker room for staff have also been incorporated into the design.
According to Susie McKay, Director of the Emergency Center, the initial phase saw a 6% increase in emergency patient visits last year. McKay anticipates continued growth in patient volume, stating, “We now have a much larger waiting room and more treatment areas for those patients.” This development is integral to fulfilling the hospital’s vision of providing exceptional care in the region’s largest emergency center.
One of the standout features of the new addition is the six-bed Behavioral Health Emergency Center. This area offers a secure environment designed for immediate crisis stabilization and treatment of mental health needs. Ellen Williams, Vice President for Behavioral Health, emphasized the importance of this space, saying, “Our Behavioral Health EC is designed to keep our patients and staff safe, and it is staffed with health care professionals specifically trained to care for behavioral health patients.”
Phase 2 occupies the space of the former emergency room, which had been closed following the opening of the Trauma & Critical Care Tower in January 2025. The previous facility spanned approximately 19,000 square feet, while the new Emergency & Trauma Center now covers 53,000 square feet.
The project was overseen by Hoar Construction, which has managed the construction for over three years. At its peak, the project employed around 1,000 workers, with as many as 265 workers present on site at any given time. Davis Wilson, Project Manager at Hoar Construction, remarked, “Seeing this project reach completion is an incredible milestone, and I’m proud to have been part of a team so dedicated to bringing this vital facility to the Albany community.”
In addition to the emergency services, the expansion includes a new second-floor corridor linking the Trauma & Critical Care Tower to the main hospital. There is also an updated Labor & Delivery waiting room and a renovated Obstetrics Emergency Center equipped with five triage bays. This center is operational 24/7, staffed by obstetricians to ensure prompt care for pregnant women experiencing emergencies.
Jennifer Heleski, Director of Women’s & Children’s Services, acknowledged the community’s patience during the construction phase, stating, “We’re pleased that these new updates will help us serve our expectant mothers better.” She also mentioned plans for further enhancements to the Labor & Delivery department in the future.
Expectant mothers arriving at Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital for delivery or emergency care are directed to report to the registration desk inside the main entrance of the Trauma & Critical Care Tower. Visitors are advised to check in at the visitor desk located at the main hospital entrance.
With these enhancements, Phoebe Putney Memorial Hospital aims to solidify its role as a leader in emergency care, ensuring that the Albany community receives the highest standard of medical attention.
