Hospital giant breaks ground on new, 24/7 ER as Baytown keeps growing

April 8, 2026

Houston Methodist is expanding its footprint east of Houston, breaking ground on a new 24-hour emergency care center in Baytown as the region continues to grow. 

The new 11,900-square-foot facility will include 10 exam rooms, on-site imaging like CT scans, X-rays and ultrasound, a diagnostic lab, a pharmacy and a physician on site 24/7, according to the hospital system. Officials say the $17 million project is part of a broader push by Houston Methodist to expand access across the region, particularly in fast-growing areas outside Houston's urban core.

The facility will also include features designed to reduce wait times, including separate check-in areas and dedicated outpatient access for imaging services.

As population growth continues to push outward from Houston, demand for nearby medical care has followed.

Healthcare systems across Texas have been navigating how to expand access while managing costs and patient demand—an issue that has also surfaced in Chron's recent coverage of hospital systems and insurance pressures across the state.

Wednesday's groundbreaking is meant to bring that expansion one step closer, particularly for residents in Baytown and surrounding areas like Mont Belvieu.

"Expanding access to high-quality emergency care for residents of Baytown, Mont Belvieu, and neighboring areas remains a central priority," said Adrienne Joseph, CEO of Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital and senior vice president of Houston Methodist. Construction for Baytown Methodist Hospital is estimated to be completed in mid-2027.