Mercy Hospital Fort Smith adds space, staff, tech in major hospital upgrade

Mercy Fort Smith hospital is set to launch a $186-million expansion to significantly enhance its emergency and critical care services. The emergency room will expand from 29 to 50 rooms, and the ICU will grow from 38 to 64 beds, allowing the hospital to serve approximately 25,000 additional patients annually. This response comes after the hospital recorded over 68,800 emergency visits in 2024, the highest in Arkansas. Chief nursing officer Stephanie Whitaker stated that the upgrades will improve patient care and create around 200 new jobs, including 50 nursing positions. The expansion will also introduce cutting-edge technology, such as smart-monitoring systems and isolation zones for better management of infectious diseases.

The new ER will open on May 7, with additional ICU floors and a main entrance expected later this fall. Dr. Aaron Bull, an ER physician, highlighted that the improvements will enhance patient intake and assessment with more triage rooms. The hospital aims to attract nursing staff despite a national shortage by emphasizing its mission and commitment to care.