Ten years ago, Medical West took a bold step—one that would forever change the way emergency care is delivered in southwest Jefferson County. On May 5, 2015, Alabama’s first freestanding emergency department (FED) opened its doors, offering patients a faster, more accessible way to get the urgent care they needed—without the long drive into downtown Birmingham.
Today, as the FED celebrates its 10th anniversary, we look back at a decade of service, growth, and impact. With more than 320,000 patients treated and an average of 100 visits per day, the FED has far surpassed its original projections, and it’s done so with heart, vision, and an unwavering commitment to community care.
Why the Medical West FED Was Built: A Community in Need
The vision for the FED began more than a decade ago, when leaders at Medical West saw a gap in emergency care access, particularly for residents in Hoover and surrounding communities.
“At the time, Hoover was the largest city in Alabama without a hospital,” explains Monty Gooch, Emergency Room Director. “Some people were driving 30 minutes or more to reach an ER, depending on traffic and the time of day. That’s not ideal when every second counts.”
The location—at the intersection of John Hawkins Parkway and I-459—was strategically chosen to serve a 15-mile radius, giving families across southwest Jefferson County a local, reliable option in emergencies.
Breaking Ground on Something New
As the first FED in the state, the project came with its fair share of hurdles. From regulatory debates to legal challenges, getting approval took time and tenacity.
“When I arrived, we were already working on floor plans while navigating litigation over the certificate of need,” Gooch recalled. “In 2013, the state finally approved us to move forward, and we didn’t waste a minute.”
By the fall of 2014, construction was underway with Brasfield & Gorrie, and the team had just months to bring their vision to life. There wasn’t a template to follow; they were creating something new from the ground up.
Built to Match the Standards of a Hospital ER
From the start, the goal wasn’t just to build an emergency department—it was to deliver hospital-level care with the speed, convenience, and personal touch of a community facility.
“We designed it so patients would receive the same standard of care as they would at our main hospital,” Gooch said. “That meant investing in top-tier equipment, a strong team, and a patient-first experience.”
The FED features advanced diagnostic technology, including CT scans, digital X-rays, ultrasound, and in-house lab services. Real-time image transmission allows hospital-based radiologists to review scans quickly. And thanks to a streamlined workflow, most patients are seen within 30 minutes and have test results within the hour.
“We’re a 15-bed facility seeing 100 patients a day,” said Gooch. “That’s only possible because every service is focused and efficient. Patients go straight to a room if it’s available, and we start treatment right away.”
Staffed by Experts and Built on Trust
One of the biggest keys to the FED’s success? The people behind it.
The majority of the original provider team and many members of the nursing staff have remained since day one. With an average of 14 years of nursing experience, the team brings a rare level of expertise and continuity. According to Gooch and longtime team member Tracy Schencker, this consistency creates a culture of camaraderie, and it shows in patient outcomes.
“We don’t have high turnover,” said Tracy. “When people walk in, they’re greeted by smiling faces. That kind of stability builds trust.”
Patients have taken notice. Many come back for future visits or recommend the FED to friends and family. Gooch described it as a “grassroots” campaign driven entirely by word of mouth.
“I can’t count how many people have come in and said, ‘My cousin told me to come here’ or ‘You took such good care of my neighbor,’” he said. “That’s the biggest compliment we could ever receive.”
An Inviting, Healing Space
Beyond medical care, the FED was designed to feel different from a traditional ER. It doesn’t look institutional—it feels calming, modern, and warm.
“It’s pretty. That’s what people say,” Tracy said with a smile. “It feels like a healing space, not a cold, sterile environment.”
The FED’s thoughtful design reflects its overall philosophy: excellent care delivered with compassion, dignity, and respect.
From a Leap of Faith to a Legacy
Opening the FED was a leap of faith. It was the first of its kind in the state, and regulations were still being written as Medical West moved forward. But that willingness to innovate paid off, not just for Medical West, but for the entire state.
“There was uncertainty at the time,” Gooch said. “But I think our success helped pave the way for others. You wouldn’t see as many freestanding ERs in Alabama today if this one hadn’t worked.”
Looking Back at the Past and Ahead to the Future
Since opening, the FED has treated over 320,000 patients, nearly tripling its original volume expectations. In 2024 alone, the team averaged 104 patients a day, with their busiest day topping out at 216 visits.
Behind every number is a person—and a team working tirelessly to help them feel better, faster.
“There’s a real sense of pride among the staff,” said Gooch. “We’ve built something special here, and we’ve done it together.”
As the FED moves into its next decade, one thing is clear: it’s more than a facility. It’s a lifeline. A place where expert care meets heartfelt compassion. And for southwest Jefferson County, it’s exactly what the community hoped for ten years ago, and so much more.
Get the Care You Deserve at Medical West in Birmingham, AL
Need fast, reliable emergency care close to home? Our Freestanding Emergency Department offers hospital-level treatment with shorter wait times and a compassionate team. Visit Medical West and experience the difference trusted care makes.