SAFFORD — During Mt. Graham Regional Medical Center’s December Community Partnership Panel, CEO Dr. Bart Carter said the hospital will be “more nimble” and “moving quicker with decision-making.”
To that end, even though the hospital has just started construction of its new stand-alone community pharmacy building, Carter said MGRMC has taken the initial steps toward development of a 77,000-square-foot two-story expanded emergency room and surgery suites facility.
If everything goes well, residents will see the new services by the start of 2030.
“We’re in a design . . . project evaluation phase, that they think is going to take about a year. They said three years once we start (construction), so that’s about four years from now,” Carter said.
He said the initial plan is to expand the number of emergency room areas from 17 to 25 — in order to keep wait times to a maximum of four hours — plus add six surgical suites.
Carter said estimated cost is about $100 million, which will necessitate fund-raising. He said the hospital foundation is actively seeking partners who can make significant donations, as well as applying for USDA grants. But given the large scope of the project, some financing may be required.
One of the foundation’s new fund-raisers will be a Casino Night at the Safford Theatre on May 1.
He also said MGRMC is seeking grants to develop two simulation labs, which will allow hospital staff to stay current on the newest medical techniques and procedures, and that the hospital continues to add staff. Carter said a new general surgeon is joining the team Jan. 5, and an orthopedic surgeon and urologist have both committed to coming on staff in late 2026.
