In May 2017, Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Garland, a hospital that had served residents since 1964, announced that it was for sale. Originally called Memorial Hospital, it was named in memory of World War II veterans.
With this announcement, Baylor Scott & White representatives assured Garland residents that they were committed to finding a new owner. But the facility did not sell and subsequently sat almost empty for about three years. It was officially closed in February 2018.
When rumors about the VA North Texas Health Care System showing an interest in the facility began to circulate, residents became hopeful as it would make use of an existing building, bring jobs to Garland and new life to the area. It would also save the VA a large sum of money.
Finally, an April 6 press release announced that the VA had taken possession of the former Baylor Scott & White hospital at 2300 Marie Curie Drive in Garland. Its new name would be Garland VA Medical Center. The transaction was in the form of a donation from Baylor Scott & White to the VA.
The press release said that the hospital would initially open as an in-patient overflow unit for veterans with COVID-19. And the speed at which the facility was made ready for that use was amazing. Part of the facility was revived with extensive plumbing and electrical repairs, cleaned, painted and stocked with all the necessary equipment in two short weeks.
According to a CBS-11 news report, VA maintenance crews worked long, hard hours to make it happen as there was no time to hire outside contractors.
The report also revealed that the hospital will open Monday, April 20, as a COVID-19 Relief Center. It is unknown at this time whether the facility will be needed for overflow from the Dallas VA hospital, but it’s ready with 200 beds if necessary.
When the COVID-19 crisis ends, work crews will begin getting the hospital ready for its intended permanent use as an outpatient and specialty care clinic for North Texas veterans.