MassDevelopment has issued a $20 million tax-exempt bond on behalf of South Shore Hospital in Weymouth, the largest independently-operated hospital in Eastern Massachusetts.

Bond proceeds will back expansion of the Emerson Building, creating two new floors at the top of the building and a 40-foot extension at the side, adding 66,000 square feet and 60 beds. With the new space, the hospital will designate patient care areas to meet the needs of medical, surgical, orthopedic, and cancer patients. Sovereign Bank purchased the bond. South Shore Hospital expects the project to create 44 jobs and more than 200 construction jobs.

"South Shore Hospital has a large, diversified medical staff, and this low-cost financing will help its experienced team treat more patients on the South Shore," said MassDevelopment President and CEO Marty Jones.