Topping Out Celebration Marks Progress for New ER at SGMC Health Berrien

Wednesday, November 29th, 2023

SGMC Health celebrated a milestone in the expansion of its Berrien County, GA hospital with a topping out ceremony on Nov. 16, 2023. The traditional ceremony signifies the last beam being placed on the new construction, marking the completion of the structural phase.   

Community leaders, physicians, staff, and construction teams gathered at SGMC Health Berrien to sign the beam prior to its placement, celebrating the progress made on the new emergency department and hospital expansion.   

“Today’s event is a great example of how SGMC Health leaders and local community partners can come together and envision a better future for our area,” shared Hayden Hancock, Nashville City Manager, who also serves as the Chair of SGMC’s Foundation Board and on SGMC Health Berrien’s Advisory Committee. “The decision to invest in our community through this expansion will impact those living in our region for decades to come.” 

Construction began on the $15 million project last June and is expected to be completed in the Fall of 2024. The new two-story emergency room addition will expand the current campus footprint by 28,000 square feet and feature larger trauma and specialty care patient rooms and enhanced clinical and support space. 

In addition to emergency services, SGMC Health Berrien provides medical care for inpatient and outpatient services, imaging including 3-D mammography, a 12-bed geriatric psychiatric unit, and a substance abuse center.     

SGMC Health provides an array of inpatient, outpatient, and ambulatory services across South Georgia including four hospitals: SGMC Health Main, SGMC Health Smith Northview, SGMC Health Berrien, and SGMC Health Lanier. The system also operates a growing network of specialty care centers and services with regional prominence including heart, vascular, stroke, neurosciences, trauma, cancer, orthopedics, surgery, women and infants, long-term care services, and emergency medical services. 

To learn more, visit sgmc.org.