As part of Diagnosis: Columbus, a series exploring the growth in central Ohio’s healthcare systems, OhioHealth is tackling the region’s growing demand with significant expansion projects.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — The impressive population and job growth in central Ohio are mirrored in the expansions taking place at the region’s healthcare facilities. OhioHealth, Ohio State Wexner, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and Mt. Carmel are at the forefront, each undertaking massive construction projects.

Among these, OhioHealth, the largest healthcare system in the region with 16 hospitals, is undergoing a major transformation, including a $1 billion overhaul. This includes extensive renovations and new builds at Riverside and Grant hospitals in Columbus.

‍“Central Ohio is growing rapidly, and our healthcare facilities must keep pace with the needs of the community,” said Kristina Stuecher, vice president and project executive of OhioHealth’s Women’s Health Center. “We’ve heard from many women in our community who expressed the need for better access to care, and we are excited to be a partner in delivering that care.”

Riverside, Ohio’s busiest maternity hospital, is constructing a 600,000-square-foot Women’s Health Center set to open in 2027. The center will feature:

• 185 inpatient beds
• Labor, delivery, and recovery rooms
• New operating rooms
• Mammogram facilities
• Obstetric and gynecological services

“The new location near State Route 315 was strategically chosen,” Stuecher explained. “It not only enables us to build on an available parking lot, but it also keeps us connected to Riverside, which is vital for patient safety.”

Meanwhile, at Grant Medical Center, the region’s busiest level 1 trauma center, two major projects are underway. In early March, Grant will unveil a new 33,000-square-foot Primary Care Center, which will house more than 50 patient rooms and serve as the base for its residency program.

“As downtown Columbus continues to grow, we want to make sure our services grow with it,” said Jean Halpin, president of Grant Medical Center. “As more people return to the office, this new primary care facility ensures we’re meeting the health needs of both residents and workers downtown.”

In addition, Grant’s $400 million expansion will continue in March with the construction of a seven-story trauma center tower, set to open in 2028.

OhioHealth is also planning to expand Dublin Methodist Hospital by 2026 to meet the increasing local demand for healthcare services.

“Hospitals play a crucial role in the strength of a community,” Halpin noted. “By being a trusted partner for employers and supporting the growing population, OhioHealth is contributing to the region’s economic and healthcare success.”

Originally reported by Jerod Smalley in NBC 4i.