Carlsbad Medical Center to Build Free-Standing Emergency Department

1/16/2026

Carlsbad Medical Center announced plans to build a free-standing emergency department during a presentation to the Carlsbad City Council on Tuesday, January 13. When complete, the new facility will help meet the growing demand and provide more convenient access to emergency care.

“The need for emergency services in Carlsbad and South Eddy County continues to increase, and our free-standing emergency department will provide an additional access point for residents and area businesses,” said Matthew Banks, Carlsbad Medical Center CEO. “We look forward to sharing more details in the coming months as we prepare for continued growth in service to our community.”

The new project is the latest of several improvements CMC has made to modernize its current facilities and increase access to services. In 2025, the hospital’s front lobby and cafeteria were remodeled, and extensive improvements were made to the 2nd and 3rd floor patient areas. Also last year CMC reopened its wound care center, revived its outpatient cardiac rehabilitation program, and launched robotic-assisted surgery. Additional remodeling to the first floor is currently in progress.

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