Brown University Health’s Miriam Hospital $125 Million Modernization Project for Hospital’s 100th

As it nears its centennial in 2026, The Miriam Hospital broke ground on a transformational $125 million modernization project that will usher in a new era of patient-centered care.

The comprehensive project will feature a state-of-the-art Emergency Department with expanded capacity to meet growing demand, single-occupancy inpatient rooms designed for privacy and healing, and campus-wide infrastructure upgrades to enhance both patient experience and the work environment for The Miriam’s 2,800 dedicated caregivers.

Joined by Providence Mayor Brett Smiley, Pawtucket Mayor Donald Grebien, and community and hospital leaders from across Brown University Health, the event marked the start of a new chapter for The Miriam—founded in 1926 through a grassroots effort led by local women. Today, the hospital is nationally recognized for clinical excellence and is one of only four in the world to earn Magnet designation for nursing excellence seven consecutive times.

“As we approach The Miriam’s 100th anniversary, this project is both a celebration of our legacy and a commitment to our future,” said Maria Ducharme, DNP, RN, president of The Miriam Hospital and chief quality executive for Brown University Health. “It will provide our community with a modern emergency department and private inpatient rooms designed for safety, comfort, and healing. I’m deeply grateful to our incredible team whose compassionate care and expertise continue to define The Miriam Hospital’s legacy.”

The modernization project has been thoughtfully designed to enhance capacity, improve patient flow, and reduce wait times, particularly during peak emergency department hours.

Key design features include:

“Today, we honor The Miriam’s century of service while laying the foundation for its next hundred years,” said John Fernandez, president and CEO of Brown University Health. “This is more than an investment in infrastructure; it’s a promise that The Miriam Hospital will continue to provide world-class care for our community for generations to come.”

More information, including 3D virtual tours of the future emergency department, lobby, and patient rooms, is available at www.Miriam100.org.

About The Miriam Hospital

The Miriam Hospital (www.miriamhospital.org) is a 247-bed, not-for-profit teaching hospital affiliated with The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University with expertise in cardiology, oncology, orthopedics, urology, bariatrics, men’s health, and minimally invasive surgery. It is home to the state’s first Joint Commission-certified Stroke Center and robotic surgery program. Its Total Joint Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval for its total knee and hip replacement programs. The hospital is nationally known for its HIV/AIDS and behavioral and preventive medicine research, including weight control, physical activity and smoking cessation.  U.S. News & World Report has named The Miriam the best hospital in Rhode Island 14 years in a row starting with their first state rankings in 2012-2013.  In 2024 The Miriam Hospital was awarded Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Services for its seventh consecutive time. It is a founding member of the Brown University Health system. Facebook:  www.facebook.com/miriamhospital,  and “X” @MiriamHospital.