December 10, 2025 by South Shore Health
South Shore Health announced the opening of its new West Unit at South Shore Hospital this week, marking a significant expansion in its capacity to care for patients requiring short-stay medical and surgical services. The new unit, located on the first floor near the hospital’s Main Entrance, doubles short-stay capacity from 10 to 20 beds. Combined with the reopening of 10 inpatient med-surge beds, the expansion results in a net gain of 20 beds across the hospital.
The West Unit will primarily serve patients who come through the Emergency Department and require additional monitoring, testing, or treatment before a decision is made about admission versus discharge. “This expansion allows us to care for more patients in the most appropriate setting, while also reducing wait times and improving patient flow throughout the hospital,” said Sam Skura, MBA, MPH, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of South Shore Health. “The thoughtful design of this unit reflects our commitment to providing exceptional care for patients and families, and supporting our colleagues in delivering that care.”
The project was made possible through the generosity of longtime South Shore Health supporter and board member Alan McKim, whose philanthropic gift fully funded the construction of the new unit. “We are deeply grateful to Alan for his remarkable commitment to South Shore Health and the community it serves,” said Allen Smith, MD, MS, President and Chief Executive Officer of South Shore Health. “His gift has allowed us to meet a critical need in expanding access to care for patients today.” The opening of the West Unit follows nearly a year of planning and construction, with extensive input from staff and clinicians to ensure a design that supports high-quality, patient-centered care.
