HERSHEY, Pa. — Penn State Health’s plans for a new acute care hospital in Lancaster County took a step forward this week when engineers shared a conceptual master plan for the new medical center with the East Hempfield Township Planning Commission on Aug. 28. Penn State Health plans to seek additional input from homeowners near the proposed facility before submitting a formal land development plan to the township.

The new hospital is proposed for 30 acres near the intersection of State Road and Harrisburg Pike. An acute care facility in East Hempfield Township will give residents of Lancaster, Lebanon and York counties enhanced access to Penn State Health’s expertise and specialty services without having to make the drive to Hershey.

The new hospital will feature private inpatient beds, an emergency department, physician offices, various specialty inpatient services, an imaging lab, and complete medical and surgical capabilities. It is expected to bring hundreds of jobs to the region, both during construction and for hospital operations.

Penn State Health will commission a traffic study to determine what effect the hospital might have on commuters and the surrounding roads.

The review by the East Hempfield Township Planning Commission is the first of many steps required before a final land development plan is approved and facility work can begin. Video footage of the site of the planned hospital is available to view online.