Manchester, N.H. — Catholic Medical Center (CMC), part of the HCA Healthcare family, today announced plans for a new freestanding emergency room (FSER) in Nashua.
The nearly 10,000-square-foot facility at 338 Amherst Street, the former Leda Lanes bowling center, represents a $16 million investment in the community, with a groundbreaking ceremony scheduled for October 28, 2025, and a projected opening in mid-2026.
The Nashua Emergency Room will provide patients with convenient, 24/7 access to high-quality emergency care — bringing the main capabilities of a hospital-based ER closer to home for many in the Nashua community.
Equipped with advanced diagnostic technologies, including computerized tomography (CT), ultrasound and radiology, the facility will also feature an on-site laboratory, covered ambulance entrance, and a dedicated pediatric waiting and treatment area.
The FSER will be staffed by board-certified emergency physicians and employ approximately 30 clinical professionals.
“Emergencies don’t wait, and neither should patients,” said John Skevington, chief executive officer of Catholic Medical Center. “By expanding access to emergency care in Nashua, we’re ensuring that patients receive fast, expert care for everything from chest pain and stroke to broken bones and abdominal pain. This facility is designed to complement our existing hospitals, physician clinics and urgent care centers by providing another choice when every minute counts.”
HCA Healthcare already operates freestanding emergency rooms (FSERs) in Seabrook, Dover and Plaistow, New Hampshire through its network hospitals. These facilities have become trusted resources in their communities, consistently earning high marks from patients for fast, attentive care and strong clinical outcomes. Patient feedback has placed these FSERs among the top-rated emergency care providers nationwide.
Unlike urgent care centers, which typically operate 12 hours a day and treat lower-acuity conditions, freestanding emergency rooms provide the same advanced care available in hospital-based emergency departments. With 11 emergency bays—including a trauma bay—the Nashua Emergency Room will be equipped to handle high-acuity cases such as cardiac arrest, stroke and severe injuries.
The new FSER will also bring economic benefits to Nashua by contributing to the city’s tax base and creating healthcare jobs.
Within the HCA Healthcare system, patients who require hospitalization within the HCA Healthcare system will have the option of being admitted to Catholic Medical Center in Manchester — home to the region’s leading cardiovascular program — or to Parkland Medical Center, depending on their individual needs. Patients may also choose care at another health system if they prefer.
