LITTLE ROCK — The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences (UAMS) in Little Rock celebrated a significant milestone with the grand opening of its new Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital. Dignitaries and visitors gathered to mark the occasion, heralding a new era for specialized medical care in Arkansas.
Located conveniently near the main UAMS hospital, this state-of-the-art, four-story facility spans over 158,000 square feet. It is dedicated to providing comprehensive orthopaedic surgery, spine care, and pain management services. The hospital is equipped with 24 private rooms for overnight stays and inpatient care, ensuring patient comfort and privacy. It also features 12 examination rooms tailored for orthopaedic trauma, orthopaedic oncology, and physical medicine and rehabilitation, alongside 12 advanced operating rooms. For patients requiring pain management, the hospital offers eight exam rooms and two procedure suites. Furthermore, the facility includes dedicated educational spaces for orthopaedic surgery residents and administrative offices for faculty and staff, fostering an environment of learning and innovation.
Ribbon-cutting ceremony at the opening of the UAMS Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital in Little Rock, Arkansas, with UAMS Chancellor Cam Patterson, Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders, and Dr. C. Lowry Barnes.
A New Era for Orthopaedic and Spine Care in Little Rock
“We are excited to begin a new chapter in delivering specialized and comprehensive care for orthopaedic and spine patients throughout Arkansas, all within a single, advanced facility,” stated UAMS Health CEO and UAMS Chancellor Cam Patterson, M.D., MBA. “This UAMS hospital in Little Rock is designed to house cutting-edge technology and the exceptional medical expertise UAMS is known for, while also ensuring easy access for all our patients.” The UAMS Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital is set to welcome its first patients in June, promising enhanced healthcare services for the community.
Exterior view of the new UAMS Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital in Little Rock, a state-of-the-art facility for orthopaedic and spine care.
Boosting Medical Research and Talent in Arkansas
Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders emphasized the hospital’s role in advancing medical capabilities within the state. “The Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital positions Little Rock as a leader in medical research and will attract significant new talent to our state,” said Gov. Sanders. “I am honored to celebrate the inauguration of this impressive facility and express my gratitude to everyone involved in making it a reality. This investment will undoubtedly benefit Arkansas for many years to come.” The governor’s remarks underscore the strategic importance of the UAMS hospital in enhancing Arkansas’s medical landscape.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders speaking at the opening of UAMS Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital, highlighting the hospital's impact on medical research in Little Rock.
Patient-Centered Design and Advanced Technology
C. Lowry Barnes, M.D., chair of the Department of Orthopaedic Surgery in the UAMS College of Medicine, highlighted the patient-focused approach of the new facility. “Our nationally recognized specialists are eager to utilize this enhanced facility to integrate their diverse skills with the most advanced technology available,” Dr. Barnes explained. “Crucially, we are confident that patients and their families will greatly appreciate the streamlined services offered in an environment designed for comfort and ease of navigation.” This UAMS hospital in Little Rock is designed to offer a wide spectrum of procedures, ranging from complex orthopaedic surgeries and trauma care to orthopaedic oncology, pain management, physical medicine, and rehabilitation.
Operating room interior at UAMS Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital in Little Rock, showcasing advanced surgical space and technology.
Notably, the new Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital is intended to enhance, not replace, the existing network of UAMS orthopaedic clinics across Little Rock, ensuring continued and expanded access to care throughout the region.
Private patient room at the new UAMS Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital in Little Rock, designed for comfortable overnight stays and patient-centered care.
A Milestone Two Years in the Making
The ribbon-cutting ceremony marked the culmination of a project that began just over two years prior, with a groundbreaking ceremony on April 12, 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 infrastructure of Arkansas.
Interior architecture of UAMS Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital in Little Rock, featuring modern design and spacious layouts.
Accessible and Visible Across Arkansas
The UAMS Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital’s location offers high visibility from Interstate 630 and across the UAMS campus, making it easily accessible for patients from all parts of the state. This strategic positioning underscores UAMS’s commitment to serving the entire Arkansas community.
Reception or waiting area inside UAMS Orthopaedic & Spine Hospital in Little Rock, with bright and welcoming spaces for patients and visitors.
UAMS: Leading Healthcare in Arkansas
UAMS stands as Arkansas’s only health sciences university, encompassing colleges of Medicine, Nursing, Pharmacy, Health Professions, and Public Health, along with a graduate school, a hospital, and a network of regional campuses. It is also home to eight institutes dedicated to advancements in cancer, neuroscience, eye care, psychiatric research, aging, translational research, digital health, and community health innovation. UAMS Health, the clinical enterprise of UAMS, is the state’s only adult Level 1 trauma center. As the largest public employer in Arkansas, UAMS has over 11,000 employees, including 1,200 physicians.
For more information about the UAMS hospital in Little Rock and its services, please visit www.uams.edu or uamshealth.com. Stay connected with UAMS Health on social media: Facebook, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, and Instagram.
