Washington, D.C. officials and ​​Universal Health Services started construction Feb. 17 on the Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center in Ward 8, which is set to become the first trauma center east of the Anacostia River.

The $375 million, 136-bed full-service hospital will open in 2024 and expects to house clinics, an ambulatory pavilion, community spaces, a 500-car garage and an emergency transport helipad. The new hospital will replace United Medical Center (UMC), which is located almost one mile away from the new hospital site and is currently struggling with staffing shortages and financial issues. However, UMC will stay open until Cedar Hill Regional Medical center opens.

The new hospital will provide long-awaited care for residents in Wards 7 and 8, according to Mayor Muriel Bowser (D) in a Feb. 17 press release.

“This is the start of a new chapter for health care in Washington, DC, especially for our neighborhoods east of the river,” Bowser said in the press release. “And I hope the message we’re sending is loud and clear: while DC Government is rightfully getting out of the business of running a hospital, we are fully present at St. Elizabeths East and fully committed to all the Washingtonians who will come to the Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center GW Health to get world-class care.”

Ward 8 hospitals currently lack a trauma center, so residents must seek care in other wards for trauma-related injuries like gunshot and stab wounds. 

Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center will help rectify many health care equity issues in the District, according to Susan Griffiths, director of communications and business development at the George Washington University Hospital.

“The development of this integrated, academic medical network will bring vital health services East of the Anacostia River where previously many lacked access to healthcare,” Griffiths wrote to The Hoya. “As such, the development will help to improve health access, equity and outcomes. This will be the first new hospital built in the District since GW Hospital was built more than 20 years ago.”

In addition to the hospital, the District is set to open two new urgent care centers east of the Anacostia River, according to Griffiths.

“This new acute care hospital – Cedar Hill Regional Medical Center, GW Health – is part of a comprehensive development that also includes two new urgent care centers in Wards 7 and 8,” Griffiths wrote. 

Physicians and medical faculty from George Washington University will staff the new hospital, while Children’s National, a pediatric hospital in D.C., is expected to operate the new neonatal intensive care unit and pediatric emergency departments. In addition to the new pediatric departments, the hospital will have women’s health, behavioral health, outpatient, specialty and mental health services. 

The hospital will be named in honor of abolitionist Frederick Douglass’ historic residence in Anacostia, with the hospital’s name serving as an important reminder of Douglass’ work, according to Bowser.

“We are not just honoring one person. We are honoring all the people who fought to preserve his legacy and tell his story,” Bowser said during the construction unveiling Feb. 17. “We are honoring the family and generations of women — Black women in particular — who persisted, persevered and eventually succeeded in preserving the Douglass family home.”

The hospital not only serves as a source of health care, but also provides equal rights for Ward 8 residents, according to Ward 8 Councilmember Trayon White in a Feb. 17 press release from the mayor’s office.

“Health equity and access to care are fundamental human rights,” White wrote in the press release. “Residents must have access to the health services they need, when and where they need them. The new full-service hospital east of the Anacostia brings us a step closer to providing equitable health care access to all Washingtonians, especially residents in Wards 7 & 8.”