Spearfish Hospital Expansion Project Update: A Commitment to Resilient, Future-Focused Care
Monument Health’s Spearfish Hospital Expansion is well underway, marking a significant investment in healthcare infrastructure for the Northern Hills region. Phase 1 is approximately two-thirds complete and remains on track for a winter/spring 2026 completion. Phase 2 is expected to begin shortly after and extend through fall 2027. Together, these two phases will deliver a cutting-edge surgical center designed to meet current needs and accommodate future growth to strengthening access to high-quality care for residents of northwestern South Dakota and eastern Wyoming.
At the heart of the expansion is a focus on advanced surgical capabilities and improved patient and staff experience. Key additions include six state-of-the-art operating rooms, a new sterile processing department, 22 ICU and medical/surgical patient rooms, expanded dining facilities, and modern staff support spaces. New infrastructure upgrades, including enhanced HVAC and power systems, are also being installed to ensure the hospital is well-positioned for the demands of modern healthcare delivery.
A strong emphasis was placed on designing with wellness in mind. Staff and patient safety are being addressed through the integration of ceiling-mounted patient transfer lifts, snowmelt systems at drop-off areas, and distributed nursing stations with improved sightlines. These enhancements not only promote efficiency but also help reduce risks such as staff injuries and patient falls—key priorities in today's healthcare environment.
What sets this project apart is the incredible complexity of construction and the team’s resilience in overcoming it. All work is being completed while the existing hospital remains fully operational. Solutions such as specialty micropile foundations, a temporary elevated skywalk, phased demolition, and construction staging through a narrow 20-foot-wide corridor have made it possible to keep the facility running safely. The central transition point—known as “the Knuckle”—required precision planning, reinforced connections, and South Dakota’s largest crane to bring the vision to life, all while navigating record-setting rainfall in 2025.
The project is a collaboration between Monument Health, general contractor Scull Construction, and key design and engineering partners including EAPC, Renner Associates, Albertsons, and Rippe Design. From the earliest design conversations, the team has approached every challenge with transparency, creativity, and a shared commitment to the community.
This expansion represents the largest investment ever made in the Spearfish campus and stands as a symbol of Monument Health’s continued dedication to delivering exceptional, local care. As construction continues, the community’s excitement and engagement only reaffirm the lasting impact this project will have for years to come.
