Foley, Ala. — (OBA) — Baldwin Health dedicated the Wayne T. Smith Atrium as the newest feature of its Foley hospital. The atrium serves as the main entrance and lobby for the growing facility. Hospital and community leaders said the expansion reflects continued investment in local healthcare. Officials also credited hospital employees and community support for making the project possible.

The dedication took place on Thursday, October 16. Hospital officials said the atrium dedication marks the latest milestone in a multi-year effort. The expansion has added space and services intended to meet increasing healthcare demand in South Baldwin County.

The atrium is part of a recent $200 million expansion at Baldwin Health. That effort included a five-story patient tower with surgical facilities. The project added a dedicated women's and children's unit. It also increased inpatient beds to accommodate more patients.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich said the improvements benefit the wider community. He said the hospital’s success rests on its people and their quality of care. “This facility reflects what our community is all about,” Hellmich said. He called Baldwin Health one of the finest hospitals in Alabama.

Dr. Margaret Roley, chief executive officer of Baldwin Health, said planning began a decade ago. “We started this discussion about the tower and the hospital 10 years ago,” she said. Roley called the dedication an exciting moment that brings years of work together. She thanked staff and community members whose support made the project possible.

Roley praised caregivers who maintained high standards in older facilities during years of change. She said those efforts helped the hospital reach this point. She described staff members as the heartbeat of the organization. She emphasized delivering exceptional healthcare in Baldwin County.

The atrium is named for Wayne T. Smith. Smith serves as chairman of the Board of Directors for Community Health Systems. Community Health Systems has operated the hospital since 2000. Hospital leaders said the naming recognizes Smith’s role and support.

State Rep. Frances Holk-Jones of Foley also took part in the dedication. She chairs the Baldwin Health Board of Directors. Holk-Jones presented legislative resolutions to Smith and Dr. Roley. The resolutions recognized their contributions to healthcare in Baldwin County.

Clark Stewart, chair of the Baldwin County Healthcare Authority, credited Community Health Systems. He said CHS and Smith have helped improve medical care as the region has grown. Stewart said the level of investment exceeded early expectations. He said the relationship remains strong and ongoing.

“This is a great and rock-solid relationship,” Stewart said. He noted that attendees stood amid visible results of the investment. He said he could not have imagined the scale 25 years ago. He said CHS has continued to invest heavily in the facility.

Baldwin Health reported a staff of 1,200 employees. The hospital said it serves the community through more than 409,000 patient encounters each year. Leaders said the expansion aims to support that volume. They said the upgrades will help sustain access to care for residents.