SMITH COUNTY, Miss. (WJTV) – Smith County will be the home of a new emergency hospital.

Work has begun to transform the old hospital in Raleigh into the Smith County Emergency Hospital. Covington County Hospital and South Regional Medical Center partnered on the $1.5 million project.

“We hope makes a difference. Especially when they, you know, are cutting out that 35, 40 minute travel time that they currently have when time is of the essence. It can be very important in saving someone’s life or getting someone stabilized to a point where you get them transferred to another facility,” said David Culpepper, director of marketing at Covington County Hospital.

The hospital will not have beds, but it will offer emergency care, including radiology and labs. If someone needs overnight care, they can be transported to another facility.

Officials with the hospital hope to bridge the gap in needed healthcare in the community. It is also set to bring dozens of new jobs to Smith County, as well as a local economic boost.

“It’s going to employ approximately 80 people. It’s going to have a budget of over $30 million. That’s got to help the economy other than just the hospital part,” said Joe Tally, director of the Smith County Economic Development Division.

The hospital is expected to bring in $150,000 in annual local taxes. Pending state approval, the hospital should open later this year or early 2025.