
Thomas Hospital, in Fairhope in Baldwin County, is expanding, adding a four-story new patient tower in response to Baldwin County’s continued growth.
According to the hospital, Baldwin County has experienced a 66% population increase over the last two decades, with an estimated population of 260,483 residents in 2024 and an expected increase of 50,000 residents over the next decade.
“Baldwin County’s growth in recent years makes this new tower a critical investment in the future of our health care system,” said Ormand Thompson, president of Thomas Hospital, an Infirmary Health facility. “With Baldwin County ranked as the 7th fastest-growing metro area in the country, this expansion ensures we are well-prepared to continue providing exceptional care to our growing population. Our new patient tower will enhance our capacity and provide a foundation for future growth of the communities we serve.”
Thomas Hospital currently has 189 beds. The new tower will include 25 medical-surgical beds on its second floor, with physician and employee parking on its ground floor. The remaining two floors will remain as shells until needed in the future.
“We are excited to break ground on this new patient tower at a time when our community is experiencing such dynamic growth,” said Mark Nix, CEO of Infirmary Health.
Thomas Hospital has partnered with Hoar Construction on the build.
“The Thomas Hospital 25-bed expansion is not just a construction project for us; it’s an opportunity to support a vital community resource that has been at the heart of healthcare in the region for years. It’s also a unique opportunity to add on to a hospital that we built originally,” said Owen Moore, director of business development at Hoar Construction. Infirmary Health has three acute care hospitals, one long-term care hospital, two post-acute rehabilitation facilities, more than 60 physician practice locations, two freestanding emergency departments and other affiliates.