LANCASTER COUNTY – Penn State Health opened its newest hospital to its first patients on Monday. Located near the intersection of State Road and Harrisburg Pike in East Hempfield Township, the Lancaster Medical Center will give residents expanded access to primary, specialty, and acute care, as well as the advanced care and clinical trials available at the health system’s academic hub in Hershey, including the Hershey Medical Center and Penn State Health Children’s Hospital. Lancaster Medical Center opened with more than 500 employees. The 341,000-square-foot, six-story medical center includes 132 private inpatient beds, an emergency department, and various specialty inpatient services. It also has an attached medical office building for physician practices and outpatient services.