Indiana University Health (IU Health) is set to expand its presence in Fort Wayne with the construction of a new hospital, marking a significant milestone for the state’s largest healthcare provider. The $421 million investment, approved by the IU Health board of directors, aims to enhance access to affordable, high-quality healthcare in the region.

Since 2018, IU Health has established eight new locations and added over 60 providers, delivering primary care, urgent care, orthopedics, imaging, cardiology, pediatrics, and general surgery services. During this period, IU Health has served more than 30,000 patients.

"We've heard the community’s call for more options in affordable healthcare," said Dennis Murphy, president and CEO of IU Health. "As the state’s largest and only academic health system, we are committed to answering that need in support of our vision to make Indiana one of the healthiest states in the country. We believe we can help create a healthier future and reduce the economic burden for businesses and families alike."

The new hospital will include:

• 140 beds to accommodate a growing patient population
• 17 emergency department exam rooms for immediate and critical care
• Six operating rooms equipped with the latest surgical technologies
• 3 catheterization labs for advanced cardiac procedures
• Three to four endoscopy rooms for diagnostic and therapeutic procedures

In addition to the hospital, a medical office building will connect to the facility, enhancing the integrated care experience for patients and providers.

The five-level hospital will employ:

• 500 team members dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care
• 60 additional providers to meet the diverse healthcare needs of the Fort Wayne community

IU Health plans to welcome its first patient in the second quarter of 2027.

"This new hospital will be a cornerstone of our commitment to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare to all Hoosiers," said Brian Bauer, president of IU Health Northeast Region. "With a leading-edge facility and a dedicated team, we are poised to make a significant impact on the health and well-being of Fort Wayne and the surrounding communities."

This development represents the next phase of IU Health's investment in Fort Wayne, following the opening of the IU Health Primary Care Fort Wayne – South location six years ago.

Meanwhile, construction is in full swing on IU Health’s new downtown Indianapolis hospital and expanded medical campus, which was upsized earlier this year, to 864 private patient beds from a previously planned 672 beds, with the height of the hospital’s three bed towers set at 16 stories, the upper range in the city-approved design plan. The construction cost of the Indianapolis hospital is budgeted at $2.31 billion.

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