In the latest round of planning for St. Luke's Hospital, clinical priorities needed to be assessed. Southcoast Hospitals Group once again put their trust in DiGiorgio Associates Inc. (DAI) and Monitor Builders (MBI). The final program consists of constructing a new, 35,000 square foot Emergency Department and 49,500 square foot Medical/Surgical tower. 

The ED expansion and renovation will increase the hospital's capability to accommodate 90,000 visits. A temporary ambulance entrance was established to allow for continuous function of the current ED during the early stages of construction.  An addition at the basement floor level will include a new 6,100 square foot Cath Lab suite and a high-tech amphitheater. The Medical/Surgical Tower encompasses both renovation and an addition to be constructed above the ED. 

The topping off ceremony for the new ED was held in May (2005). Hospital officials, trustees and donors signed the final steel beam to be put into place. "The beam is a symbol of completion." said Robert Gauthier, Vice President of Southcoast Hospitals Group. "It fulfills a vision."