AUGUSTA, G.A. ()- A new medical facility is under construction in Evans and when it’s finished it will be the first emergency room in Columbia County.

Behind me is just the foundation of the soon to be 11-bed full-service freestanding ER right near the intersection of North Belair and Hereford Farm Roads.

“The location of the prior Fatz Cafe. And the reason for this location is really that it’s centrally located within Columbia County and it’s an area that we know people are used to receiving healthcare services,” Doctors Hospital CEO Joanna Conley said.

Doctors Hospital CEO Joanna Conley says this new facility won’t be like an urgent care. 

“The freestanding ER will have 11 treatment rooms, that includes a trauma room. It will also have full complementive services that the community is used to seeing in an ER department, such as CT, X-Ray as well as laboratory and pharmacy services. So, it will truly be a destination where people can go for the emergency care that they need.” 

Will Walker is the VP with Clifton Construction’s Augusta group.  He says despite the challenges winter weather proposed for construction; they’re on track.

“This is a fill site, so we had to bring the dirt up to be able to build the building pad. So, we had to find some dry dirt and we were able to do that and keep things– pretty much going.” 

Walker describes the hospital design will have easy access points through nearby streets.

“An entrance right here off of Belair Road that connects all the way back through Maurice Street and then a drive that goes all the way around the building for ambulance drop off, and a few parking areas over here and on the other side for patients to come…”

Conley says the 24-hour facility will offer full services and is expected to be finished by the end of this year.