Huntsville Hospital also earns a spot on the national list and is expanding services as the Tennessee Valley population surges.
SPEAKIN’ OUT NEWS
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. — UAB Hospital has been ranked the fifth largest hospital in the United States, highlighting the growing role Alabama’s healthcare systems play in serving patients across the Southeast.
The ranking comes from Becker’s Hospital Review, which annually examines the size and capacity of the nation’s largest medical centers. UAB Hospital climbed from eighth place last year to fifth in 2026, reflecting continued growth in patient care and services.
Located in Birmingham, UAB Hospital operates about 1,400 beds, placing it among the largest healthcare facilities in the country. Last year alone, the hospital treated a record 929,021 unique patients, demonstrating the increasing demand for its specialized services and advanced care.
“This is a proud moment for UAB Hospital,” said UAB President Ray Watts. “When UAB’s capacity expands in any area of our mission, so does the positive impact we have on improving and saving lives.”
UAB Health System CEO Dawn Bulgarella said the recognition reflects the hospital’s expanding reach.
“Becoming the fifth-largest hospital in the country is meaningful because it means we touch more lives,” Bulgarella said. “Our dedicated providers cared for more patients last year than ever before, and our strategic growth means we will be able to serve even more patients with the world-class care we offer.”
UAB Hospital serves as the flagship teaching hospital for the University of Alabama at Birmingham School of Medicine and is widely recognized as one of the Southeast’s leading academic medical centers.
Huntsville Hospital Expanding with Region’s Rapid Growth
Another Alabama hospital also appeared on Becker’s national list. Huntsville Hospital ranked 46th among the nation’s largest hospitals, operating about 881 beds and serving as the primary regional referral center for North Alabama and southern Tennessee.
The Huntsville Hospital Health System has been expanding services and facilities as the Tennessee Valley experiences some of the fastest population growth in Alabama.
Hospital leaders recently announced plans to acquire Crestwood Medical Center, a 180-bed hospital in Huntsville, a move expected to strengthen healthcare access across Madison County and integrate more services within the Huntsville Hospital system.
The health system has also expanded specialty care, outpatient clinics and regional medical facilities across North Alabama while continuing to support physician training through UAB-affiliated medical education programs.
Huntsville Hospital operates one of the busiest emergency departments in the state and serves as the only Level I trauma center for adults in North Alabama, treating critical injuries from across the Tennessee Valley.
The region’s rapid growth has intensified demand for healthcare services. Madison County continues to attract new residents due to job growth tied to Redstone Arsenal, aerospace and defense industries, and Huntsville’s expanding technology sector. As the population increases, Huntsville Hospital leaders say expanding facilities and services will be essential to meet the healthcare needs of the growing community.
Together, UAB Hospital and Huntsville Hospital represent two of Alabama’s largest healthcare hubs, treating hundreds of thousands of patients each year while continuing to expand services to meet rising healthcare demands across the state.