Moore Hospital Begins to Rebuild

MOORE, Okla. — Construction is under way to build a new hospital on the site of the former Moore Medical Center hospital, which was destroyed by an EF5 tornado in May 2013.

A new rendering for Norman Regional Health System’s rebuilt medical center facility was released on Sept 18. Oklahoma City-based architect JHBR is working with the health care provider on designs for the new hospital. A groundbreaking ceremony for the new $29 million facility was held on May 20, 2014, one year after the tornado hit. No deaths or major injuries were sustained by the approximately 400 people inside the building at the time of the tornado.

“Our physicians, staff and volunteers look forward to rebuilding a state-of-the-art medical facility dedicated to serving the current and future needs of our community,” said Richie Splitt, vice president and chief administrative officer, Norman Regional Moore and HealthPlex, in a statement. “We are excited as we move forward in our efforts to continue providing Moore with the top quality medical care the community has come to know and trust from Norman Regional.”

The new hospital will include full emergency services with 24-hour availability, as well as outpatient diagnostic imaging with MRI, CT and ultrasound available for both the emergency department and outpatients. It will also offer physical medicine services, including physical, occupational and speech therapy. The new facility will also incorporate laboratory services and 80,000 square feet of physician offices and community education and meeting space.

The facility will also feature a wellness/lifestyle center and has called upon artists for a major art tribute that will commemorate the courage and caring that happened during the tornado last year.

The new facility will serve the needs of the city’s 60,000 residents. Safety is a top priority, and the hospital will be built using modern-day safety features, including a tornado safe zone for both patients and staff.

“Norman Regional is proud and excited to return to Moore,” said David Whitaker, president and chief executive officer at Norman Regional Health System, in a statement that was released in October 2013, when it was decided that the hospital would be rebuilt. “The community of Moore deserves a state-of-the-art facility and that is what we plan to build. While we are not rebuilding exactly what was destroyed, our plans allow for additional services and amenities to be added later so that the building can grow along with its community.”

Splitt said in the statement that he hopes the building will be the tallest and most recognizable in Moore. He also said there is a possibly to add services such as another tower, a women’s center or an outpatient surgery center. The area north of the facility is designated for possible expansion as the city grows.

"This will be an exceptionally modern facility,” Splitt said in the statement. “Our team is ready to return to Moore and they will have one of the sleekest and newest buildings in which to serve our patients and families.”

The hospital is slated to open in fall 2016.