SPRINGFIELD, Mass., Sept. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Baystate Health announced this week that planning is underway for a significant expansion of the Emergency Department at Baystate Noble Hospital to expand access to emergency care and support the growing needs of Westfield and surrounding communities.

Currently, Baystate Noble Hospital's Emergency Department handles over 31,000 visits annually, highlighting the important role the hospital plays in our communities. The planned expansion will increase capacity and create a more flexible environment to enhance patient privacy and workflow efficiency.

"The improved layout is designed to enhance staff visibility, promote better teamwork, and increase workflow efficiency. Ultimately, the new Emergency Department will provide future-ready capacity to serve both hospital and broader community needs as they continue to grow," said Brandon Okezie, President and COO, Baystate Noble Hospital.

The new Emergency Department, now in the early design phase, will include flexible care spaces to address evolving medical needs, including designated areas for behavioral health and patient isolation. The updated facility will support a range of patient needs, providing flexibility to support patients with different medical and behavioral health needs. While a definitive timeline and total project cost have not yet been established, Baystate Health is committed to delivering a state-of-the-art facility that ensures a welcoming, efficient, and patient-centered care experience.

In addition to improving local access to emergency care for Westfield and surrounding communities, the expansion will strengthen Baystate Health's ability to serve patients across the region. By adding capacity at Baystate Noble, the project will also help enhance access across the Baystate Health emergency care network and its ability to meet the needs of growing communities.

About Baystate Health
Baystate Health is a not-for-profit, integrated healthcare system with hospitals, physician practices, a health plan and more serving over 800,000 people throughout western New England. Baystate Health is the safety net provider in Western Massachusetts. With roots dating to the founding of Springfield Hospital in 1883, Baystate Health has been providing high-quality, compassionate and accessible care in the Pioneer Valley for more than 140 years and continues to be a pillar of its community – rooted here, serving here, and helping generations thrive here. With a focus on advancing health for all, Baystate is not only a keystone of the region, it is a national leader in healthcare. Learn more at BaystateHealth.org.

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SOURCE Baystate Health System