SITKA, Alaska — SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (SEARHC) celebrated the ribbon cutting of the new Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center on Thursday, April 23, marking a major milestone for healthcare in Southeast Alaska and the culmination of years of planning, partnership and commitment to regional care access.
The new facility represents one of the most significant healthcare investments in Southeast Alaska history and is designed to serve patients and families across the region for generations to come. SEARHC has made a major self-funded investment in this project, estimated at approximately $300 million across two phases, including the hospital campus, caregiver housing and related infrastructure.
The modern medical center features expanded inpatient capacity, enhanced emergency and surgical services, improved patient flow, and updated technology, all in support of high-quality care close to home. Design features include state-of-the-art airborne infection isolation rooms designed to contain harmful airborne contaminants; bathtubs in every labor and delivery suite to increase comfort during birth; and centralized nurses’ stations in support of improved coordination between care teams, increasing collaborative, integrated care. From a workflow perspective, the building layout supports more efficient care delivery, helping providers spend more time with patients and less time navigating the complex.
The facility was intentionally designed by architecture firm NBBJ to echo the surrounding landscape, drawing on the natural world to create a more healing, welcoming environment for patients, visitors and caregivers.
“This is a proud moment for our communities and for everyone who helped bring this vision to life,” said President and CEO Charles Clement. “The new Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center reflects our commitment to ensuring the people of Southeast Alaska have access to excellent care in a facility built for the future.”
The new hospital strengthens SEARHC’s ability to meet growing healthcare needs across the region while improving patient experience and supporting recruitment and retention of excellent healthcare professionals.
During Thursday’s ceremony, SEARHC leadership also recognized the many Tribal leaders, board members, employees, partners and community advocates whose dedication over many years helped make the project possible.
The ribbon cutting signals the beginning of a phased opening process, with the first services – outpatient Behavioral Health and Physical Rehabilitation – opening to patients in early May, and additional services and patient care transitions occurring in the weeks ahead.
For nearly 50 years, SEARHC has served communities throughout Southeast Alaska with a mission rooted in self-determination, partnership and improving the health of the region.
About SEARHC
SEARHC is one of the largest Native-run healthcare organizations in the United States, serving communities throughout Southeast Alaska. Established in 1975, SEARHC works in partnership with communities to provide high-quality, affordable healthcare.
https://searhc.org/location/mt-edgecumbe-medical-center/
Location Details
Welcome to Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center (MEMC).
As a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital with a broad range of medical and surgical specialties as well as Emergency Services, Primary Care, Behavioral Health, Dental, Obstetrics, Optometry, Transitional Care services and more, MEMC supports a comprehensive spectrum of healthcare needs and is committed to delivering these services to anyone living, working or visiting Southeast Alaska.
The Emergency Department (ED) is a Level IV Trauma Center staffed 24/7 by board-certified physicians, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and registered nurses who specialize in care for patients with serious illnesses and injuries. MEMC ED services include the evaluation and stabilization of patients transferred from other facilities or communities and patients who may require transfer to higher levels of care. MEMC will provide emergency medical screening and stabilization to all individuals in accordance with the Emergency Medical Services/Emergency Medical Treatment and Active Labor Act Policy (EMTALA).
MEMC Island Skillet
The Island Skillet Café at Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center, a cafeteria style grill, provides Expressly For You-Personal Service DiningSM program. It is an innovative concept of meal order and delivery for hospital patients and is based on the long-standing practice of fresh food and personal, tableside service.
See cafe hours and menus
New Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center
As a state-of-the-art five (5)-story, 234,528 square foot structure, the new MEMC reaffirms SEARHC’s commitment to significantly improving access to quality healthcare and the patient experience for all residents of Southeast Alaska.
All healthcare services provided by SEARHC, apart from Long-Term Care (LTC) and the Opioid Treatment Program (OTP), will be available at the new MEMC facility, better ensuring seamless continuity of care. In addition, the facility will offer private inpatient rooms, with comfortable accommodation for visitors, to better aid in the patient’s recovery.
As construction crews work tirelessly to bring this premier facility to completion, we encourage you to check out the timelapse camera and share in our excitement.
Construction Timelapse
Current Construction Timelapse | Yesterday’s Timelapse
Mt. Edgecumbe Medical Center proudly serves the community of Sitka in Southeast Alaska. To learn more about the services provided, browse the service links below, or contact this location directly with any questions.
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