Christus Health celebrates new Palestine hospital with ribbon cutting, expanding access
Published 5:15 am Saturday, January 31, 2026
PALESTINE — Christus Health celebrated the opening of its new hospital and emergency department in Palestine with a ribbon cutting and blessing Thursday.
City, county and state dignitaries along with staff and community members celebrated the more than 30,000-square-foot facility that will officially open to patients on Monday, expanding access to essential health care services across the region.
“This facility is more than just new technology or fancy imaging, it is about establishing a ministry of healing,” said Barry Lofquist, administrator for Christus Health Palestine.
The facility, a part of Christus’s international faith-based nonprofit health system, includes a 15 bed emergency department and 10 bed inpatient hospital, designed to provide high-quality care in a welcoming, community focused environment. The event marked a significant milestone for Palestine, highlighting Christus Health’s continued investment in local health care, Lofquist said.
“This is a milestone for Christus Health, for Palestine and a milestone that has been in the making for years,” Lofquist said. “We are excited to be here, ready to serve.”
Directly connected to the long established Christus Magnolia clinic, the new facility supports a seamless patient experience and allows for smooth transitions between outpatient visit, emergency care and inpatient services, all within one coordinated system, said Jason Proctor, president of Christus Trinity Mother Frances Health System.
“The Magnolia clinic has served this area for decades and done an amazing job for patients in and around Palestine,” said Jason Proctor, president of Christus Trinity Mother Frances Health System. “Today, we expand upon that care, making sure all of your health care needs are met in one location.”
A key feature of the facility is the Swoop portable MRI, an innovative imaging system that enables bedside MRI scans, first used by Christus Mother Frances Hospital on Jan. 16. The technology enhances patient safety and comfort while allowing caregivers to make timely and informed decisions.
Andrew Smith, clinical director for both Christus emergency department and hospital, said the emergency department is staffed by experienced caregivers focused on prompt, compassionate treatment. For patients requiring admission, the 10 inpatient beds provide a calm, supportive environment designed to promote healing close to home, he said.
As part of the Christus Health System, the Palestine facility is fully integrated with a larger network of hospitals and specialists, ensuring continuity of care and access to advanced services, while preserving the personal approach to patients and value.
“This whole facility just blows my mind with what we are able to offer,” Smith said. “We have built a lot of great facilities, and this one is as good as any you will find.”
For more information on the Christus Hospital and emergency room at Palestine visit, https://www.christushealth.org/locations/emergency-center-palestine.