Hospital Care in the Permian Basin
As Midland's population has grown alongside the energy industry, demand for quality healthcare has increased. Residents need emergency care for accidents and injuries, specialty services for chronic conditions, maternity care for growing families, and rehabilitation after surgery or illness. Industrial work also creates a need for trauma and occupational injury expertise.
Midland is served by its own hospital system and by facilities in neighboring Odessa and nearby communities. Together, these hospitals form a regional healthcare network for the Permian Basin. This guide is informational only; for medical emergencies, call 911, and always consult your physician and insurance provider when choosing where to receive care.
How We Selected These Hospitals
We considered the range of services offered, specialty programs, emergency and trauma capabilities, community reputation, accessibility for Midland residents, and the role each facility plays in the regional healthcare system.
The Top 10 Hospitals Serving Midland
1. Midland Memorial Hospital
Midland Memorial Hospital, operated by the Midland County Hospital District under the Midland Health name, is the city's primary acute care hospital. It provides emergency and trauma care, cardiology, oncology, women's and infant services, surgery, and a range of specialty programs. As a community-owned hospital, it plays a central role in the health of the region.
2. Medical Center Hospital
Located in Odessa, Medical Center Hospital is a major regional hospital and the flagship of Medical Center Health System. It is known for trauma care, cardiovascular services, cancer treatment, and a broad network of specialists serving the Permian Basin.
3. Odessa Regional Medical Center
Odessa Regional Medical Center offers acute care services with notable strengths in women's health, maternity care, and neonatal services. It serves families throughout the Midland-Odessa area.
4. Encompass Health Rehabilitation Hospital of Midland Odessa
This inpatient rehabilitation hospital helps patients recover from strokes, brain injuries, orthopedic surgeries, and other conditions. Its physical, occupational, and speech therapy programs help patients regain independence.
5. Oceans Behavioral Hospital Permian Basin
Oceans Behavioral Hospital provides inpatient and outpatient mental health services for adults and seniors. Behavioral health care is an important need in the region, particularly given the stresses associated with demanding work schedules.
6. Basin Healthcare Center
Basin Healthcare Center in Odessa is a physician-owned surgical hospital focused on procedures such as orthopedics, spine care, and general surgery. Patients often value its specialized focus and personalized care.
7. Permian Regional Medical Center
Located in Andrews, Permian Regional Medical Center serves surrounding rural communities with emergency care, surgical services, and clinics. It helps extend healthcare access across the wider Permian Basin.
8. Martin County Hospital District
Based in Stanton, east of Midland, the Martin County Hospital District provides emergency, inpatient, and primary care services to residents in rural areas, reducing travel time for essential care.
9. Scenic Mountain Medical Center
Located in Big Spring, Scenic Mountain Medical Center offers emergency care, surgery, and inpatient services for communities east of Midland along Interstate 20.
10. West Texas VA Health Care System
The West Texas VA Health Care System, centered at the George H. O'Brien Jr. VA Medical Center in Big Spring, serves veterans across the region, with outpatient clinics that extend care to communities including Midland and Odessa.
Specialty Care in the Region
Regional hospitals offer a growing array of specialty services, including cardiac catheterization, cancer treatment, orthopedic surgery, and neonatal intensive care. For highly specialized procedures, patients may be referred to academic medical centers in Lubbock, Dallas, or Houston. Telemedicine is helping bridge gaps by connecting patients with specialists without long drives.
Healthcare Trends in Midland
Hospitals across the Permian Basin continue to invest in expanded facilities, new technology, and recruitment of physicians and nurses to keep up with population growth. Outpatient and same-day surgery options are increasing. Behavioral health services are expanding in response to community needs. Partnerships with medical schools and nursing programs, including local colleges, are helping build the regional healthcare workforce.
How to Choose a Hospital
Start by checking which hospitals are in your insurance network. Consider the services you are most likely to need, such as maternity, cardiology, or orthopedics. Talk with your primary care physician about their hospital affiliations and recommendations. Review publicly available quality and patient experience ratings. For planned procedures, ask about surgeon experience and recovery support. In an emergency, go to the nearest emergency department or call 911.
Preparing for a Hospital Visit
Planning ahead makes hospital visits less stressful. Keep a current list of medications, allergies, and medical history, and bring your insurance card and photo identification. Designate a family member who can communicate with care teams if needed. For scheduled procedures, follow pre-admission instructions carefully and arrange transportation home in advance.
Final Thoughts
Midland residents have access to a strong regional network of hospitals. Midland Memorial Hospital anchors care in the city, Medical Center Hospital and Odessa Regional Medical Center provide extensive services nearby, and specialized facilities offer rehabilitation, behavioral health, and surgical care. Knowing your options ahead of time helps you make confident decisions when healthcare matters most.