The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock, AR, has officially opened its new Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital, marking a significant advancement in specialized medical care for the state. Dignitaries and guests gathered to celebrate the inauguration of the four-story, 158,000-square-foot facility, strategically located southwest of the main UAMS hospital campus. This dedicated hospital promises to be a center of excellence for orthopaedic surgery, spine care, and pain management, serving patients across Arkansas and beyond.
UAMS Chancellor Cam Patterson, Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Dr. C. Lowry Barnes cut the ribbon at the Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital opening, surrounded by hospital and city officials.
UAMS Health CEO and UAMS Chancellor, Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA, expressed his enthusiasm about the new facility. “We are excited to begin a new chapter in comprehensive and specialized care for orthopaedic and spine patients throughout Arkansas,” he stated. “This hospital was meticulously designed to house cutting-edge technology and support the world-class medical expertise UAMS is known for, all while ensuring convenient access for our patients.” The UAMS Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital is set to receive its first patients in June, heralding a new era of focused patient care in Little Rock.
Exterior view of the UAMS Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas, showcasing its modern architecture and accessibility.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders emphasized the hospital’s role in elevating Little Rock and the state’s medical landscape. “The Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital positions Little Rock as a leader in medical innovation and will attract top-tier medical professionals to our state,” said Gov. Sanders. “I am honored to be part of the opening of this impressive facility and commend everyone involved in bringing this vision to life. This investment will undoubtedly benefit Arkansas for generations to come.”
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders speaks at the UAMS Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital inauguration, with Chancellor Cam Patterson, Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott, and Dr. Lowry Barnes listening.
C. Lowry Barnes, M.D., chairman of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery at UAMS, highlighted the enhanced capabilities the hospital offers to their expert teams. “Our nationally recognized specialists are eager to utilize this advanced facility to integrate their diverse skills with the most innovative technologies,” Dr. Barnes noted. “Crucially, we are confident that patients and their families will greatly appreciate the streamlined services and comfortable, user-friendly environment this hospital provides.”
Inside the UAMS Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital
The UAMS Hospital in Little Rock’s new Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital is designed for versatility, accommodating a wide spectrum of procedures, from complex orthopaedic surgeries and trauma care to orthopaedic oncology, pain management, physical medicine, and rehabilitation. The facility boasts:
- 24 Private Patient Rooms: Ensuring comfort and privacy for overnight observation and inpatient stays.
- 12 Orthopaedic Examination Rooms: Dedicated to orthopaedic trauma, orthopaedic oncology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation consultations.
- 12 State-of-the-Art Operating Rooms: Equipped with the latest surgical technology to enhance precision and patient outcomes.
- 10 Pain Management Suites: Including eight exam rooms and two procedure suites, designed specifically for the pain management team.
- Dedicated Educational Space: Providing an optimal learning environment for orthopaedic surgery residents, fostering the next generation of specialists.
- Faculty and Administrative Offices: Creating a collaborative space for medical professionals and administrators.
A spacious operating room inside the UAMS Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital, featuring advanced surgical equipment and a view of the main hospital.
It is important to note that this new hospital will complement, not replace, the existing UAMS orthopaedic clinics located throughout Little Rock, ensuring continued access to UAMS’s expert care across the city.
Modern and comfortable patient room in the new UAMS Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital, designed for patient recovery and well-being.
A Vision Realized
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the culmination of a project that began with a groundbreaking in April 2021. The $85 million project, funded through a bond issue approved by the University of Arkansas Board of Trustees, represents a significant investment in the health and well-being of Arkansans.
Inside view of the UAMS Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital showing modern interior design and spacious hallways for patient and staff navigation.
Visible from Interstate 630 and throughout the UAMS campus, the Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital is designed for easy access, reflecting UAMS’s commitment to serving patients from all corners of the state. As Arkansas’s only health sciences university and Level 1 trauma center, UAMS continues to expand its capabilities, reinforcing its role as a leading healthcare provider and the state’s largest public employer. The opening of the UAMS Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital in Little Rock further solidifies UAMS’s dedication to advancing healthcare and providing exceptional patient care within Arkansas.
A brightly lit and open waiting area in the UAMS Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital, designed to accommodate many patients and visitors comfortably.
For more information about the UAMS Hospital in Little Rock and the new Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital, please visit www.uams.edu or uamshealth.com. Stay connected with UAMS Health on Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram.
