UMass Memorial Health Celebrates Topping Off Ceremony for the UMass Memorial Medical Center at Nashoba Valley
Key milestone marks an important step in bringing timely, high‑quality emergency care back to the region
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 11, 2026
Contact: Kristy Lee
617‑388‑5555
kristy.lee@umassmemorial.org
Project Overview: Topping Off Ceremony Marks Construction Milestone
GROTON, MA – February 11, 2026 – UMass Memorial Health (UMMH), the largest not‑for‑profit health care system in Central Massachusetts, today held a topping off ceremony for the UMass Memorial Medical Center at Nashoba Valley, marking the placement of the final structural beam of the facility. A longstanding construction tradition, the event recognizes the hard work of the project’s construction teams. Today’s event was also an opportunity to celebrate ongoing collaborative efforts to bring emergency care back to the Nashoba Valley region.
Addressing a Critical Health Care Need in the Nashoba Valley
This important project was launched in September 2025, a year after the closure of Nashoba Valley Medical Center in 2024, which created a significant gap in access to timely health care services for residents across the region. Throughout the process, UMass Memorial Health has worked closely with local leaders, including fire and EMS, to ensure that the site meets the region’s most immediate needs.
Leadership Perspective on Community Impact
“For too long, patients across the Nashoba Valley have been left without access to critical emergency care. We’ve heard from patients, local leaders, and caregivers alike about the gaps faced by the region and knew our system had to step in,” said Justin Precourt, President of UMass Memorial Medical Center. “It has been wonderful to partner with this community as we work to make this facility possible and offer the essential services people need.”
Facility Features, Services, and Opening Timeline
Located at 490 Main Street in Groton, UMass Memorial Medical Center at Nashoba Valley will provide the same level of adult and pediatric emergency services as a traditional emergency department, including a helipad for emergency transport by helicopter, beds for emergency care, lab and certain imaging services. Expected to open by spring 2027, the facility has been designed to enhance patient flow and support modern technologies.
Commitment to Community Partnerships and Inclusive Development
“The Nashoba Valley region is such a special community, and so many of those who call it home are invested in seeing it thrive. Throughout the development of this facility, UMass Memorial Health has been immensely grateful for the partnership and support we’ve received as we look to address this critical health care need,” said Cynthia Barginere, Senior Vice President and Chief Operations Officer at UMass Memorial Health. “As we move forward together, our system is dedicated to building on these partnerships and improving the health and wellness of everyone we serve.”
“I want to extend a sincere thank‑you to our partners at the Town of Groton, including the Planning Board, Conservation, Groton Electric and the Inspectional Services Department – their collaboration and support have made this an extremely smooth process,” said Kathleen Hylka, Vice President of Facilities and Support Services at UMass Memorial Health. “We’re also proud to share that many of our project subcontractors are minority‑ and women‑owned businesses, reinforcing our commitment to inclusive participation in this important project.”
Construction Leadership
Whiting Turner is leading the development and construction of the new facility.
About UMass Memorial Health
As an organization, UMass Memorial Health is focused on ensuring patients across Central Massachusetts can receive the essential, high‑quality, and affordable care they need and deserve. UMass Memorial is proud to serve the Nashoba Valley Region and is committed to strengthening the health and well‑being of the entire community.
UMass Memorial Health
UMass Memorial Health is the largest not‑for‑profit health care system in Central Massachusetts with more than 20,000 caregivers and 2,400 physicians, many of whom are members of UMass Memorial Medical Group. We are the clinical partner of UMass Chan Medical School. Our comprehensive system includes UMass Memorial Medical Center, UMass Memorial Health – Harrington, UMass Memorial Health – HealthAlliance‑Clinton Hospital, UMass Memorial Health – Milford Regional Medical Center and UMass Memorial Health – Community Healthlink. Visit https://www.ummhealth.org.
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