Expanding Emergency Care on Springfield’s South Side
Location
Springfield, Missouri
Size
17,250 square feet
Market
Healthcare
Key Elements
Access to emergency care for growing communities in southwest Missouri; flexible spaces for future growth; able to support 16,500 additional patients each year
Cities south of Springfield, Missouri have been growing at a rapid pace. Since 2020, Census data shows communities such as Nixa and Ozark have experienced population growth between 9 and 14 percent. As more people move into the area, access to emergency care has become strained, leading to longer wait times and increased pressure on existing facilities. Recognizing the opportunity to bring care closer to these growing communities, Mercy partnered with REES to design a new emergency department. Connected to the existing orthopedic hospital, the Mercy Springfield South Emergency Department expands access to full-service emergency care for patients across southwest Missouri.
Prioritizing Patients at Every Turn
The two-story, 17,250-square-foot emergency department is anticipated to care for an additional 16,500 patients each year. Two clearly defined entrances support ambulance arrivals and patient walk-ins, helping streamline movement into the department. Interior spaces are organized for a wide range of emergency needs. The new emergency department includes six treatment rooms, trauma room, isolation treatment room, two behavioral health holding rooms, bariatric treatment room and shell space for additional growth. On-site imaging, including ultrasound, X-ray and CT, provides immediate diagnostic support. Clear circulation and thoughtful adjacencies offer efficient movement for patients and staff. When a higher level of care is required, patients can be stabilized and transferred to Mercy Springfield’s main medical center.
A Connected Addition with Room to Grow
Finish selections establish a connection between the new emergency department and the existing orthopedic hospital. Using Mercy’s branding standards, REES designers aligned the addition with the rest of the campus, so it is a natural extension of the existing building. Designed with flexibility in mind, shell space and structural planning for the second level allows Mercy to expand services and imaging capacity over time without disrupting ongoing operations.
With Mercy’s Springfield South Emergency Department in place, they are positioned to support the region as it continues to change. The addition improves access across the campus, supports consistent care delivery and provides room to adapt over time.