UAB Hospital: Top 5 in US, Alabama's Best

0:00This is Corey with Birmingham News Today, powered by the Daily News Now. UAB Hospital in Birmingham has risen to become the fifth largest hospital in the country, climbing three spots since last year. With 1,400 beds, it treated a record 929,021 unique patients in 2025. The hospital tops Alabama in Newsweek's world's best hospitals list for 2026 and scores high globally in cardiology. It also leads in healthcare technology, earning top marks from the College of Healthcare Information Management executives. Leaders call this a proud milestone that lets them reach more patients with lifesaving care. As Alabama's only Level 1 trauma center, it handles the toughest cases and keeps growing to meet demand. A new $156 million, $700,000 rehab pavilion just opened, adding 134 beds with features like rooftop gardens, virtual reality therapy, and outdoor training spaces.

1:00Meanwhile, a $73 million emergency department expansion, including $50 million from the state, will add 59 exam rooms. UAB also excels in transplants, cancer treatment, and neonatal care for the tiniest patients. We'd like to thank our sponsor for making this episode possible. Some people meditate, I just lay down and press play, S-O-L-I-S-O-L-P-L-O dot com.