University General Health System has signed an agreement with the City of Alvin in Texas, US, to develop a 27,000ft² critical care hospital in the area.

The City of Alvin has agreed to provide $2.5m through an economic reimbursement mechanism for the development of the infrastructure necessary for the three-phase project.

The first phase includes ten medical surgical beds and 12 emergency department beds, which will provide additional functionality for minimally invasive procedures, diagnostic imaging and laboratory work, as well as a separate medical office building.

The second and third phases will provide additional beds, services, and infrastructure.

University General Health System plans to open the hospital early in the year 2013.