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LAUREL, Miss. — February 27, 2026 — South Central Regional Medical Center celebrated the grand reopening of its First West Wing with a ribbon cutting and open house. This marks the completion of an extensive 18‑month renovation that has transformed the unit into a modern, patient‑centered environment.
First West originally opened in 1980 and has served as one of the hospital’s busiest inpatient care units. Following this thoughtful transformation, the space is now as visually impressive as it is equipped to support a wide range of patient needs.
This 22,500-square-foot space formerly included 39 smaller patient rooms. The new space, however, has been reconfigured and now has four deluxe, 20 large and two standard-size rooms, totaling 26 rooms.
“Every inch of this space has been thoughtfully renovated, and our in-house plant operations team, working alongside select outside contractors, has ensured that every detail feels intentional and refined,” South Central Plant Operations Director Stanley Coco said. “Details matter, especially in a health care environment where our goal is to help patients feel comfortable enough to truly rest and recover.”
Those who attended the event witnessed the official ribbon cutting, facilitated by the Jones County Chamber of Commerce, and then enjoyed refreshments while touring the new facility, which boasts the following features:
- A new nurses’ station with a custom desk
- A renovated elevator lobby with modern natural wood finishes and raised ceilings
- Updated wall coverings
- New windows
- Renovated en-suite bathrooms
- Upgraded LED lighting
- Widened doorways to accommodate moving wheelchairs and beds
- New durable flooring
- Remote-controlled window coverings
- Art throughout the hallways
Each room will also receive the following functional furnishings:
- Electronic patient beds
- Updated seating
“This revitalized space reflects South Central’s continued commitment to excellence,” SCRMC President and CEO Gregg Gibbes said. It truly is five-star, and we are so proud to have this for our patients and our community.”
The renovation further strengthens SCRMC’s capacity to support its Internal Medicine Residency Program. More spacious patient rooms give residents the ability to accompany attending physicians during patient encounters, making bedside teaching easier while still protecting the patient’s comfort and privacy.
Each room also includes a 55‑inch or 65‑inch interactive television screen, featuring MyChart Bedside. MyChart Bedside is a special version of MyChart that lets patients view real-time information about their care during an inpatient stay. In the near future, additional equipment will be installed in the rooms to allow patients to remotely interact with nurses and other practitioners.
“There isn’t a single person who hasn’t been thrilled to see this,” SCRMC’s Chief Medical Officer, W. Mark Horne, MD, said. “Things like this help us, help our patients. We live to help those who are sick and need us. That is what we are born for – that is what we spent our lives studying how to do. It makes us so happy to have a place like this where we can take care of our community and take care of our patients.”
The newly renovated First West Wing will open to patients in two phases. Sixteen patient rooms and all support areas will open March 2, followed by the remaining 10 rooms on April 1.
About South Central Regional Medical Center: South Central Regional Medical Center is one of Mississippi’s premier healthcare organizations, offering a wide range of medical services and specialties. Committed to excellence and innovation, South Central strives to deliver compassionate care and superior patient outcomes.
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