JACKSONVILLE — A new multi-specialty health facility is on the way in Jacksonville. Groundbreaking took place recently for the state-of-the-art building, which will be an addition to the Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital at 2026 South Jackson Street. This project aims to broaden access to specialized medical care, especially for folks in rural areas.
Community leaders and healthcare professionals celebrated the occasion. The new facility will cover 30,000 square feet and will offer services like pain management, orthopedic care, and vascular treatments all in one location.
Barry Lofquist, the administrator of Christus Mother Frances Hospital, shared his excitement, saying, “This groundbreaking is about more than bricks and mortar. It marks an important milestone for our Jacksonville ministry.”
Christus Health, based in Irving, Texas, is a nonprofit healthcare system with over 50,000 staff across more than 600 locations. Their goal is to improve access to essential services for rural communities.
“We’re not just expanding our facilities; we’re enhancing access to critical services like pain management and orthopedics,” Lofquist explained. The center will include 24 exam rooms, six recovery suites, and four procedure rooms, designed to create a patient-friendly atmosphere for both outpatient visits and procedures.
Dr. Peter Sirianni, a pain medicine expert, expressed his personal investment in the project: “This is one of the most important days of my career. It’s an emotional day, but a good one.”
A standout feature of this facility is its integration with the broader hospital network. It will use the same electronic medical records (EMR) system as other Christus locations. This connectivity helps doctors access patient information in real time, improving care coordination and safety.
Hospital leaders emphasized the importance of this project, especially for underserved populations. Chris Glenney, a hospital executive, noted, “As our region grows, we have a responsibility to provide equitable access to care. This facility is a crucial step in that direction.”
Construction starts soon, with local builder HGR at the helm. Meanwhile, Christus Health has other projects lined up, including new facilities in Palestine and Mount Pleasant set to open early next year.
For more details on Jacksonville’s Christus Trinity Mother Frances Hospital, you can visit their website.
