What is a Freestanding Emergency Department?
2/4/2026
Matthew Banks, CEO, Carlsbad Medical Center
You might have seen Carlsbad Medical Center’s recent announcement about our plans to build a freestanding emergency department on the south side of town. While we’re very excited about this $20 million investment to meet the demands of our growing community and provide more convenient access to emergency care, you might be wondering, “What exactly is a freestanding emergency department?” So here is some additional information and some answers to questions that the community may have.
What is a freestanding emergency department?
Like any hospital emergency department, a freestanding emergency department (ED) is open 24/7/365 and is equipped to treat patients with illnesses and injuries that require a higher level of care than urgent care facilities offer.
What conditions can a freestanding ED treat?
Open 24/7/365 with lab and radiology equipment, the freestanding ED can treat a wide variety of serious illnesses and injuries, including severe chest pain, severe allergic reaction, severe respiratory distress, broken bones, cuts requiring stitches, concussions and other conditions.
Who will staff it?
Emergency physicians, nurse practitioners, registered nurses and other patient care providers.
How is it different from an urgent care center?
Freestanding EDs offer a higher level of care than an urgent care center or physician’s office – with 24/7 operations, advanced medical equipment like CT scan machines and emergency medicine-trained physicians.
Will ambulances bring patients to the freestanding ED?
We will work with local emergency services to facilitate the transportation of patients to and from the new freestanding ED once it opens.
What will happen to the emergency department at the hospital?
The current emergency department at Carlsbad Medical Center will continue to provide the same services it does today. The freestanding ED is another option for emergency care in our community. We anticipate, with the growth of Carlsbad and Eddy County, the need for these services will continue to increase.
What happens if a patient comes to a freestanding ED but should have gone to a hospital?
Our freestanding ED will provide the same level of care as the main hospital ED. In cases where patients require a hospital admission, we can begin that process at the freestanding ED. Test results and other records will be available through CMC’s electronic medical record (EMR) system, ensuring a smoother transition and continuity of care between the ED and the hospital inpatient setting.
Building a freestanding emergency department will improve access to healthcare, and it is the right thing to do for our community. We look forward to sharing more details in the coming months as we prepare for continued growth in service to Carlsbad and Southeast New Mexico.
An example of what a freestanding emergency department may look like - this one is located in Tucson, AZ
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