On April 16, Northside Hospital Forsyth celebrated the groundbreaking of a major campus expansion that will include a new six-story patient tower and a significantly expanded Emergency Department, reinforcing the hospital’s commitment to meeting the growing health care needs of Forsyth County and the surrounding region.
The ceremony, held adjacent to the Emergency Department ambulance entry, featured remarks from hospital leaders, community partners and clinical experts, followed by a ceremonial turning of the dirt.
“This is such an exciting moment,” said Lynn Jackson, CEO of Northside Hospital Forsyth.“With this groundbreaking, we’re building more than new facilities. We’re building opportunities for better health, more jobs, greater access to care and stronger support for the people who depend on us.”
The expansion follows significant regional growth. In 2025, the hospital recorded more than 851,000 patient encounters, including more than 67,000 Emergency Department visits.
“This investment reflects a belief that our community deserves health care that is not only advanced, but compassionate; not only responsive, but visionary; not only prepared for today, but ready for tomorrow,” Jackson added.
The project includes a six-story patient tower with 96 new patient rooms, more than 260,000 square feet of new construction and 57,000 square feet of renovations to existing space. Plans also call for expanded clinical and support services, a larger Emergency Department, a new lab and pharmacy, and a parking deck with about 500 spaces.
Completion is expected by the end of 2028.
For patients and first responders alike, the expansion will improve access and efficiency in critical moments.
“In my role, I think a lot about how hospitals and EMS systems work together,” said Dr. Patrick McDougal, an emergency physician and state EMS medical director. “What you see today is a continued commitment to improving that system — expanding capacity so patients receive timely care and EMS teams can return to service faster. This investment strengthens not just this hospital, but the entire region we serve.”
Jackson emphasized that the Emergency Department serves as the hospital’s front door for many patients and that the expansion will improve patient flow, reduce wait times and enhance care delivery.
The project is part of a broader, multiyear master plan that will expand Northside Hospital Forsyth into a 500-bed facility, with the capacity to grow in the future.
The hospital campus is also undergoing additional development, including a new four-story, 120,000-square-foot medical office building and two parking decks, both expected to be completed by fall 2026.
“From an economic development perspective, this is a significant milestone,” said Alex Warner, president and CEO of the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce. “Access to high-quality health care is critical for attracting and retaining businesses and talent. Projects like this strengthen Forsyth County’s competitiveness.”
Warner added that the project will generate both immediate construction jobs and long-term employment opportunities, while reinforcing the hospital’s role as a key community partner.
Hospital leaders said the expansion is focused on patient-centered care.
“The new patient tower will provide larger, modern rooms that support privacy, safety and comfort, along with advanced technology to enhance care delivery,” Jackson said. “Just as importantly, it creates an environment that truly feels like a place of healing.”
“Groundbreakings are about beginnings — but they’re also about promises,” she added. “Today, we reaffirm our promise to this community.”
LEARN MORE ABOUT NORTHSIDE HOSPITAL’S GROWTH.
Pictured at top, from left: Alex Warner, president and CEO of the Forsyth County Chamber of Commerce; Randy Hall, president and CEO of Batson-Cook Construction; Carolyn Booker, DNP, chief nursing officer at Northside Hospital Forsyth; Dr. Shannon Mize, chairman of the Forsyth County Board of Health; Lynn Jackson, chief executive officer of Northside Hospital Forsyth; Amy Fischer, chief operating officer of Northside Hospital Forsyth; Dr. Patrick McDougal, emergency department physician at Northside Hospital Forsyth and state EMS medical director for the Georgia Department of Public Health; and Bryan Lake, chaplain at Northside Hospital Forsyth.
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