New freestanding ER set to open in East Amarillo

After more than a year of construction and anticipation, Northwest Emergency at Eastern officially celebrated the completion of its $11 million facility with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 7. The freestanding emergency department, located at 4409 East I-40 near the QT truck stop, will begin serving patients at 7 a.m. on Monday, June 16.

“This community has waited a long time for this kind of care,” said Denise Ramos, nurse manager for the new location. “The closest ER has been six to 10 miles away. If you need help now, you shouldn’t have to wait or drive that far. This will absolutely save lives.”

The 11,570-square-foot facility was completed in just 14 months and is fully equipped to handle a broad range of emergency cases. With nine private treatment rooms, round-the-clock laboratory services, advanced diagnostic imaging (including CT and ultrasound), cardiopulmonary monitoring, and a dedicated pediatric care room, the site is designed to function with the same intensity and efficiency as a hospital-based emergency department.

A Long-Awaited Addition to the East Side

For many residents in east Amarillo, the new ER is more than just a building—it’s a long-overdue investment in their community.

“This side of town has always been a little forgotten when it comes to medical access,” Ramos said. “We’ve had emergency locations in every other part of the city. Now, we’re finally filling the gap in the east.”

The event brought out key local leaders and community members. Northwest Texas Healthcare System CEO Jason Barrett welcomed attendees and praised the dedication of the staff and partners who made the project possible. Mayor Cole Stanley opened the ceremony with a prayer and words of gratitude for the healthcare professionals preparing to staff the center. City Councilmember Tom Scherlen and representatives from the Barrio Neighborhood Planning Committee were also present.

Associate Administrator Jose Garcia closed the ceremony by thanking the staff and community partners, including Page & Associates, the architectural and construction firm behind the project. Both the Amarillo Chamber of Commerce and the Amarillo Hispanic Chamber of Commerce participated in the ribbon cutting, marking the facility’s official introduction to the public.

Built for Speed and Prepared for Anything

Ramos, who also oversees Northwest’s Hillside location, said the new emergency center reflects lessons learned from past builds — and introduces important upgrades.

“We’ve improved lab technology so we can deliver results much faster — sometimes in just minutes,” she explained. “That’s critical when dealing with time-sensitive emergencies like strokes, heart attacks, or sepsis.”

Design-wise, the facility is optimized for rapid response, with a 24/7 team that includes a physician, two nurses, registration staff, and radiology technicians. A dedicated ambulance service will support the location daily from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., offering patients quicker transport from nearby neighborhoods and highways.

“This isn’t a clinic where people clock in and out,” Ramos emphasized. “We are here 24/7, ready for anything.”

She noted that staff have been trained for high-acuity emergencies, with protocols in place for immediate stabilization and transfer if needed.

Anticipating a Strong Start

Northwest Emergency at Eastern joins three other freestanding ERs in the Northwest system — Town Square, Georgia, and Tascosa — all of which have seen consistent and growing demand. The Georgia Street location alone sees more than 25,000 visits per year, while Town Square handles over 20,000.

Ramos expects the Eastern site to be busy from the outset.

“When we opened Tascosa, the estimate was maybe 12 patients in the first day. We saw 24,” she said. “I think we’ll see at least 15 on day one here — and probably more once people realize we’re open.”

A Personal Milestone for a Career Nurse

For Ramos, the launch of the new location is also a personal achievement. A 16-year veteran of the Northwest system, she’s worked her way up from bedside nurse to nurse manager, spending much of her career in emergency medicine.

“I’ve worked in just about every ER role there is,” she said. “Helping lead this opening — especially in a part of town that really needs it — means a lot to me.”

As Amarillo continues to grow, the Eastern emergency center offers reassurance that critical care is now within closer reach for thousands of residents.

“I hope this place becomes a source of comfort for the neighborhood,” Ramos said. “When people walk in, they’ll know someone is here, ready to help — without delay. That’s what emergency care should be.”