Elkhart General Hospital announces expansion, renovation of Emergency and Trauma Center
July 7, 2026 — Elkhart General Hospital today announced the expansion and renovation of its Emergency and Trauma Center, a project aimed at increasing capacity, reducing wait times and improving patient experience at one of the region’s busiest emergency departments.
The $37 million project will move through planning, design, permitting and pre-construction preparation throughout 2026, with major construction that patients and the community will see expected to begin in 2027.
Upon completion in 2028, the Emergency Department will feature an expanded trauma center footprint with upgraded care spaces and equipment, private patient rooms in place of the current mix of private rooms and semi-private bays, four dedicated behavioral health rooms and improved access for ambulances and patients arriving by car.
Elkhart General Hospital is Elkhart County’s only verified trauma center. As a critical safety net for the community, this means 24/7 access to care for serious injuries, vehicle crashes, strokes and falls. The hospital’s highly trained teams are equipped to quickly assess, stabilize and treat trauma patients, ensuring lifesaving care is available close to home
“When someone needs emergency and trauma care, every minute matters,” said Elkhart General Hospital President Kira Carter-Robertson. “This project is a meaningful investment in our community, helping our teams provide faster, more private and more compassionate care when patients and families need us most.”
The Elkhart General Emergency Department sees nearly 50,000 patient visits each year, a number that continues to grow. The expansion will help ensure continued safe and efficient care and treatment of patients well into the future.
“Emergency medicine depends on speed, coordination and having the right resources in place for our care team,” said Vice President of Medical Affairs Dr. Michelle Bache. “This expansion will strengthen our ability to deliver high-quality care efficiently, while also creating an environment that better supports both patients and our care teams.”
Physicians, clinicians, and staff provided input on the design of the 4,750-square-foot addition and 21,045-square-foot existing Emergency Department to modernize the space, improve workflow and streamline the delivery of care.
The Beacon Health Foundation is actively raising funds toward a $15 million community fundraising goal in support of the project.
Elkhart General Hospital is part of Beacon Health System, a locally governed, nonprofit healthcare system serving northern Indiana and southwest Michigan. Every dollar that Beacon generates is reinvested directly into patient care and community health initiatives.
