Medical Center expansion includes surgery wing

This article appeared in the March 2023 edition of the Chickasaw Times

ADA, Okla. – Governor Bill Anoatubby led groundbreaking ceremonies Feb. 16 for a surgery department and other expansions to the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center.
Gov. Anoatubby said the expansion was part of a continued investment in health care opportunities and positive outcomes for patients and providers.

“It is part of our mission to enhance the overall quality of life of the Chickasaw people,” he said. “A mission that extends to the many First Americans and communities we serve here in Oklahoma and beyond.”

The construction project includes an expansion of the surgery department, a new parking garage, an administration building and employee gym. A pedestrian sky bridge will connect the new structures to the main hospital building.

“For years, the Chickasaw Nation Medical Center has been fundamental to the phenomenal improvements we have made in meeting the health care needs of the people,” Gov. Anoatubby said. “We celebrate the progress and another step in our health care evolution.”

The Chickasaw Nation Medical Center, Gov. Anoatubby said, represented the culmination of decades of learning and preparation that began with the tribe’s first hospital, Carl Albert Indian Health Facility.

Since opening in 2010, the Medical Center has built an international reputation for compassionate, quality health care. The facility last year accounted for 1.2 million patient interactions.

“We have continued to progress in the volume of care and the types of services offered,” Gov. Anoatubby said. “We have continued to evolve to ensure we are meeting the specific needs of those we serve, and today is another important step in that effort.”

The 12,000-square-foot surgery addition will create two new operating rooms. These spaces will allow care for additional patients and reduce wait times for procedures.

The new parking garage will add nearly 400 parking spaces and will connect to the Medical Center with the pedestrian sky bridge, allowing visitors and patients protected access.

Adjacent to the parking garage, the 19,000-square-foot administration building will include an employee gym. The gym will provide the appropriately 800 employees who work on the Medical Center campus a dedicated space to meet their wellness needs.

“We gather here today to celebrate – to celebrate our commitment to providing the best health care possible for Chickasaw citizens and other First Americans we serve and to commemorate an expansion to our facilities that will have a positive impact on our patients, providers and health care administrators for years to come,” Gov. Anoatubby said.

Since 2010, the Medical Center campus has expanded to include several service-centered facilities including the Chikasha House, Apila Center, Veterans Lodge, pharmacy expansion, alternate care site and others.

For more information, visit Chickasaw.net.