Riverbend Services plans major expansion to address Springfield's growing healthcare needs

The Springfield City Council's recent Planning Commission meeting highlighted significant developments in healthcare services that will impact the community's future. Riverbend Services, a trauma level 2 hospital, is poised for expansion to meet the growing healthcare needs of Lane County residents.

Since its opening in February 2008, Riverbend has established itself as a crucial healthcare provider, recognized as the largest hospital between Portland and San Francisco. The facility has received accolades for its exceptional surgical care, cardiology, stroke treatment, and rehabilitation services. However, hospital representatives noted that they are currently out of space, prompting plans for expansion.

By 2028, Riverbend aims to add 96 inpatient beds through the construction of a new rehabilitation hospital and a proposed psychiatric hospital. This expansion is driven by demographic projections indicating a significant increase in the senior population, which is expected to nearly double by 2050. The hospital's leadership emphasized the importance of preparing for this demographic shift to ensure adequate healthcare services for the aging population.

Grady Layman, the director of planning, design, and construction for PeaceHealth, also addressed the meeting, discussing the potential impacts of FEMA regulations on properties surrounding the Riverbend campus. He reiterated the hospital's long-term vision to provide excellent healthcare and the necessity of expanding outward to accommodate future growth.

The discussions at the meeting underscore the city's commitment to enhancing healthcare infrastructure in response to community needs. As Riverbend prepares for its expansion, residents can expect improved access to vital medical services in the coming years. The city council's support for these developments will play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare in Springfield.