The Polk County Board of Commissioners meeting on September 16, 2025, featured a significant discussion regarding the modernization and expansion of West Valley Hospital, a project initiated by Salem Health. The meeting highlighted the hospital's long-standing partnership with Salem Health, which has been in place since February 2002.

Salem Health plans to embark on a multiphase expansion project that will unfold over the next 5 to 7 years, depending on various factors such as supply chain issues and financial conditions. This initiative is supported by the recent passage of HR 1, which allocates $50 billion to a temporary rural health transformation fund. Of this amount, $25 billion will be distributed to states with approved spending plans, while the remaining funds will be allocated by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) under yet-to-be-defined criteria.

The expansion project at West Valley Hospital is designed to address the growing healthcare needs of Polk County, particularly for its increasing population of residents aged 65 and older. The first phase of the project is deemed critical, focusing on enlarging the emergency department, which will include a new ambulance bay and a redesigned main entrance. Additionally, the energy plant will be upgraded to support the expanded facility.

In previous years, Salem Health has already made substantial investments in the hospital, including the addition of 25 medical-surgical beds and renovations to the Hugo clinics. The upcoming phases of the project will also involve improvements to the kitchen and food service areas, as well as enhancements to on-site imaging capabilities.

The project has been submitted to the Oregon Health Authority for consideration, marking a significant step forward in addressing the healthcare demands of the community. The Board of Commissioners expressed support for the initiative, recognizing its potential to improve healthcare access and quality in the region.