Huntsville Hospital Health System CEO Jeff Samz provided an update on the system’s acquisition of Crestwood Medical Center and revealed plans to expand services at Huntsville Hospital for Women and Children and invest in new facilities across the region at Thursday’s City Council meeting.
Samz told council members the health system is moving forward with a series of capital projects and operational changes following the March acquisition of Crestwood, a move that brought the system’s total to 15 hospitals across a 15-county region.
The presentation marked the first time hospital leadership publicly discussed details of the transaction and future plans since the deal closed.
“We were unable to share these updates until the transaction closed,” Samz said. “We’re delighted to be here tonight not only to explain why we believe Crestwood joining our system is the right thing for the community, but also share what comes next.”
Among the most significant updates was new expansion planning at Huntsville Hospital for Women and Children, which Samz said is already operating at high capacity.
“We’re in the process of planning for an expansion of the children’s hospital,” Samz said. “That will come out into the parking lot and give more space for babies and our children.”
Huntsville Hospital delivers more than 10,000 babies annually systemwide, making it the busiest hospital for deliveries in Alabama, according to system data.
Samz said the system is advancing a broad slate of expansion projects aimed at meeting rising demand, including what he described as the largest healthcare investment in north Huntsville’s history.
Plans include two new freestanding emergency departments, one in north Huntsville and another in Hampton Cove, with construction expected to begin later this year pending final regulatory approval, along with a previously planned Crestwood facility in Madison.
The system currently operates three emergency departments in Huntsville and treats more than 363,000 emergency patients annually across the region.
“These are the kinds of investments this growing community needs,” Samz said. “Emergency care close to home, with the ability to transfer patients when higher-level care is required.”
The emergency care expansion complements other major projects, including the Madison Street Tower, a $150 million investment that will add 120 patient rooms and expand intensive care capacity. Samz said the project includes $120 million in construction and $30 million in equipment and is expected to begin serving patients within the next year.
Samz reiterated that the acquisition of Crestwood Medical Center keeps healthcare dollars within the community, shifting from a for-profit model under Community Health Systems to a local nonprofit structure.
“More than 90 percent of the cash generated from Crestwood was leaving our community,” Samz said. “That changes going forward. Every dollar will stay here and be reinvested.”
In the first 90 days since the acquisition, the system has committed $4 million in capital improvements at Crestwood, including upgrades to infrastructure and clinical equipment.
As previously reported, Crestwood will continue operating under its existing name, with no changes to physicians, services or day-to-day operations. The hospital is now integrated into a broader regional network designed to improve coordination of care.
During the meeting, Councilwoman Michelle Watkins criticized the hospital system for a lack of communication with elected officials and the public prior to the acquisition.
“I’m disappointed because Huntsville Hospital did not offer that to citizens,” Watkins said. “They wanted those questions answered, and they just wanted simple questions answered.”
Watkins also raised concerns about representation on the system’s governing board, particularly for District 1.
Samz responded that confidentiality agreements tied to the sale of Crestwood limited what information could be shared publicly before the deal closed.
“I was not allowed to answer questions,” Samz said. “I would have been violating a contract. As soon as the transaction closed, we went on TV the next day to try to address questions, and I’m here tonight to address any questions you have.”
He added that he is open to future discussions about board representation.
“I am confident there are qualified members in District 1 who would be great board members,” Samz said.
Samz emphasized the scale of Huntsville Hospital Health System, which employs nearly 22,000 people and generates an estimated $7.4 billion economic impact across North Alabama.
The system has added approximately 2,100 jobs over the past four years, with about 70 percent of those in Madison County.
Hospital leaders also pointed to ongoing investments in workforce development, including training programs for nurses, EMTs and other healthcare professionals, as well as partnerships with local schools and universities.
Samz said the long-term goal is to create a more connected regional healthcare system, allowing patients to receive care closer to home while maintaining access to specialized services in Huntsville.
“In five years, I want you to see connected hospitals where people get care close to home when they need it,” he said. “Crestwood joining us makes that even stronger.”
The briefing comes as Huntsville continues to experience rapid population growth, increasing demand for healthcare services and infrastructure across the region.
