HCA Virginia Invested $20 Million in Facility Expansion
The health system has announced a new emergency room in Hollins and a second air medical base in Danville.
Updated on Sept. 23, 2026 in Healthcare
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HCA Virginia has unveiled a $20 million investment to expand healthcare infrastructure across the state. This project includes a new 11,000-square-foot emergency room in Hollins and a second air medical base located in Danville.
Why it matters
This significant investment aims to bolster healthcare accessibility and optimize patient care timing for residents across Virginia. By expanding emergency services and air medical transport, the system seeks to bridge existing gaps in regional care delivery.
The investment funds an 11,000-square-foot facility in Hollins, which will serve as the third freestanding emergency room operated under the LewisGale Medical Center banner.
The players
HCA Virginia
This health system operates a network of facilities across the commonwealth and is a subsidiary of HCA Healthcare.
LewisGale Medical Center
Based in Salem, this regional healthcare hub manages a network of freestanding emergency departments throughout the area.
Air Methods
This company provides specialized air medical transportation services and will operate the new base in Danville.
The details
The new Hollins facility integrates into the broader HCA Virginia network, while the Danville-based helicopter and medical team will collaborate with local hospitals and ground EMS providers to streamline emergency responses. This expansion is designed to enhance critical coverage areas for patients requiring rapid transport or specialized emergency care.
Timeline
The second air medical base and helicopter in Danville are scheduled to launch in fall 2026.
The new emergency room in Hollins is expected to open in 2028.
Market Landscape
This development aligns with the broader industry trend of establishing freestanding emergency departments to capture regional market share. By expanding its footprint, HCA Virginia strengthens its competitive positioning against other regional health systems vying for emergency service dominance.
Patients in the Hollins area will gain access to a new emergency facility by 2028, potentially reducing local wait times. Residents in Danville may benefit from enhanced emergency medical response capabilities starting in the fall of 2026.
The takeaway
These investments represent a long-term commitment to hardening regional emergency response capabilities. Residents should note that while these projects are slated for the coming years, local emergency coordination will continue to evolve ahead of these openings.
Further reading
For more information on regional health infrastructure, visit our Healthcare section.
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Do you believe new local emergency facilities significantly improve healthcare access in your community?
