Saint Francis Muskogee representatives updated the City Council on a major hospital expansion during the Nov. 3 meeting, describing clinical upgrades, staffing growth and the project27s local economic impact.

Michelle Keeling, representing Saint Francis Muskogee, introduced senior leaders at the hospital and described construction that began in December 2022. Keeling said the expansion adds about 158 inpatient rooms, roughly 290,000 square feet of new space and increases critical care capacity to about 62 beds from approximately 44. She said the construction investment totals about $280,000,000 and includes roughly 150,000 square feet set aside for future growth.

Keeling traced service-line upgrades: a new radiology department with MRI and CT scanners, an updated cancer center with a radiation linear accelerator, new surgical equipment including a surgical robot, and a new cardiac catheterization lab earlier in the year. She credited recruiting 38 physicians to the Muskogee market since 2021 and said five more physicians are expected in 2026 and 2027. Keeling said the hospital has grown to more than 1,200 employees and that the health system27s prior investments raised minimum wages at the facility.

Keeling highlighted quality measures and recognition: Saint Francis Muskogee moved from a two-star hospital historically to a four-star designation for three consecutive years and was named a top-100 hospital nationally, receiving an Everest Award for rate of quality improvement over five years.

Construction status and timeline
Keeling said the project broke ground Dec. 3, 2022, and staff expect to accept their first patient on Dec. 15, 2025; landscaping and finishing work will continue into April 2026. The hospital plans a private sneak-peek tour for civic leaders on Nov. 20 and a public ribbon-cutting on Dec. 5. Keeling invited council members to the Nov. 20 walkthrough and said telehealth equipment will be installed in every patient room.

Economic impact
Keeling cited a regional economic analysis prepared with the Tulsa Regional Chamber showing construction supported nearly 3,000 jobs and labor income of about $130 million; once open, operations are projected to support regional output and tax revenue. Keeling asked for continued community collaboration and thanked city public-works, police, fire and parks staff for coordination during construction.

No formal council action was recorded; Keeling said invitations and informational materials will be distributed to civic leaders ahead of the Nov. 20 event.