Southeast Health in Dothan, Ala., officially broke ground in mid-November 2025 on its $81 million Emergency Department (ED) and Patient Tower expansion, representing the medical center's largest single construction investment since the hospital was established in 1957.
The Houston County Health Care Authority (HCHCA) approved the expansion as part of the ongoing strategic growth plan for the hospital. The project also received unanimous approval from the Alabama Certificate of Need Review Board in October.
"As emergency room visits continue to increase nationally, we currently treat approximately 60,000 patients annually, and that number is expected to continue growing," said Dr. Foy G. Mann III, medical director of the medical center's emergency department. "This expansion allows us to keep pace with the increasing demand for emergency services. When every second counts, space and efficiency matter."
In a news release, Southeast Health noted, "Dr. Mann knows his skilled team is grounded in a shared mission to respond no matter the circumstance or unpredictability of emergency medicine with compassion, urgency and skill."
"This project will also generate a positive economic impact to the region by creating opportunities for local subcontractors, suppliers and vendors," said Southeast Medical CEO Rick Sutton. "As Houston County's largest employer, with more than 3,400 dedicated team members, Southeast Health will continue to drive job growth with the addition of clinical and support staff."
The multi-phase expansion, which is expected to be completed in late 2027 or early 2028, will add 22,693 sq. ft. to the ED, doubling its size to 38,000 sq. ft. As part of that work, renovations to existing space totaling 23,990 sq. ft. also are planned.
In addition, the construction project will build two new patient floors above the ED, encompassing 40,814 sq. ft., and create space for more 52 inpatient beds, bringing the hospital's total capacity to 455 beds.
Other upgrades enhancing care and the overall patient experience at Southeast Health include:
• an additional CT scanner, located in the ED to improve patient flow and diagnostic efficiency;
• a dedicated and safe environment for the medical center's Behavioral Medicine patients to better meet their unique needs;
• moving the Southeast Health Medicine Shop to a convenient storefront location for easier access; and
• reimagined waiting and seating areas designed to promote comfort, natural light and a more positive experience for patients and families.
Birmingham-based Robins & Morton is the general contractor for the expansion project. Its architect is Goodwyn Mills Cawood of Montgomery.
"We are excited to begin work on this project that will expand healthcare services for the tri-state area," said Ashley Dyer, the operations manager of Robins & Morton. "We are grateful to Southeast Health for the opportunity to build an exceptional addition that will leave a lasting, positive impact."
The Southeast Health Foundation also announced at the groundbreaking that former Dothan Mayor Mike Schmitz, a passionate advocate of Southeast Health, has been named as chair of the hospital expansion's capital campaign.
"This is an exciting day for Southeast Health and the communities we serve as we expand our ability to care, to comfort and to heal," Dr. Mann said.
Southeast Health Medical Center has the region's only Level II Trauma Center and Chest Pain Center and is just one of four Comprehensive Stroke Centers in the state.
