An ambulatory surgery center is in the works for Foley, positioned near the expanding South Baldwin Regional Medical Center.

The Foley Planning Commission, during its March session, voted to approve the project, which will now advance to Foley City Council for final approval on a future date. Community Health Services, the operator of South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, is set to construct the new facility on a 1.5-acre plot situated on North Alston Street.

Mayor Ralph Hellmich anticipates construction on the center to commence later this year.

“This is very critical,” he said. “It will allow people to receive outpatient services. It allows the expansion of surgery opportunities. This is another development that has more doctors looking to move to Foley.”

South Baldwin Regional Medical Center is currently undergoing a $250-million expansion endeavor, set to increase its bed capacity to 142.

In 2023, Foley City Council established a medical overlay district in the area around South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, intended to improve service expansion around the growing hospital. Proposed services within the district encompass hospital support, clinics, therapy facilities, pharmacies and various healthcare amenities, including potential additions such as residential care centers and assisted living facilities.

In conjunction with the surgery center, plans for a medical office park within the overlay district are also in motion. Positioned on a 14-acre parcel along Fern Avenue, east of Alabama 59, the project received Planning Commission's recommendation for approval in February and is awaiting final nod from the city council.

Hellmich said the district, expanded hospital and associated projects like the surgery center and medical offices, will attract specialists and other medical services to Foley.

“Now, folks who live in South Baldwin and Foley won’t have to drive to Mobile or Pensacola, We may be able to see somebody right here in Foley,” Hellmich said. “We’ll have a Class A hospital, South Baldwin Regional Medical Center, that is rated as one of the best hospitals in Alabama.”